Which is the most popular engine in the BMW X3?

For many years, only the diesel powertrains were offered. The diesel engines are the easiest to find on the used car market. However, with the rise of the plug-in hybrid over the past few years, it probably won't be long before we see more of these more efficient models in the used market.

Which are the most popular trim levels?

BMW has offered several X3 trim levels over the years, including the M Sport, xLine and M Competition. The M Sport is the most popular among X3 owners, due to the different alloy wheel design and body trim giving a sportier exterior, and superior interior features such as leather upholstery.

What optional extras should I look out for?

Customers should look out for advanced safety features, such as the advanced parking assistant, which is helpful when trying to get into tight spaces. It is also possible to find a variety of interior materials, keyless entry and laserlights.

Is the BMW X3 a good family car?

Yes, the X3 offers a spacious interior considering its smaller size, with the newer models providing more rear legroom. The boot space is also ample, especially in the non-hybrid models.

Is there a hybrid version of the BMW X3?

BMW recently released the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid, which features a top output of 287bhp when the XtraBoost is engaged. With this powertrain, expect a 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds and an electric range of up to 26 miles per charge.

Is the BMW X3 available as an automatic?

Yes, the BMW X3 has been available as an automatic, with newer models only offering this gearbox. It's much easier to find an automatic in a used X3 than it is to find a manual.

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

All newer models of the BMW X3 come standard with all-wheel drive. This added capability enhances traction and handling, especially when the road is slippery. It's also beneficial when driving on uneven terrain.

862 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32022 (18) - BMW X3 2.0 30i SE Steptronic xDrive 5-Door

Low Mileage

£20,979

Finance available £410 pm

2L
43.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

MF Motors LTD

01733666879 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£41,990

2L
11.9K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e SE 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£30,000

2L
14.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Motorparks Canterbury

01227203463 *

BMW X32015 (65) - xDrive35d M Sport 5 Dr Step Auto [8]

Reduced

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

3L
46.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Pevensey Bay Car Centre

01323402241 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW X32014 (14) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Ivybridge Trade Centre

01752982776 *

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,990

Finance available £268 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cars to Go

01202099943 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - 3.0 M40i SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (360 ps)

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

3L
55.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Ideal Car Centre Ltd

01902544596 *

BMW X32014 (14) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

£6,795

Finance available £129 pm

2L
144.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Noahs Automotive LTD

02476936621 *

BMW X32021 - 20d MHT M Sport 5-Door

£28,995

Finance available £575 pm

2L
43.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Squire Cars Ltd

01495361540 *

BMW X32016 (66) - 3.0 35d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£22,500

Finance available £442 pm

3L
45.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Raima Motors LTD

01977800495 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£43,141

2L
3.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£24,949

Finance available £492 pm

2L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32015 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d XLine Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,990

Finance available £290 pm

2L
63.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Swaan Motors Ltd

01733667053 *

BMW X32010 (10) - X3 Xdrive 18d Se 5-Door

Low Mileage

£3,295

Finance available £51 pm

2L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Woodville Car Sales

01414049407 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32016 - xDrive Competition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£16,031

2L
49.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall FordStore Cambridge

01223632572 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive M40i 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£40,376

3L
15.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW X32017 (67) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£14,700

Finance available £306 pm

2L
124.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Beechwood Autos Ltd

01623709945 *

2.5/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (71) - X3 xDrive20i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£33,500

Finance available £668 pm

2L
21.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto Semi-Auto

£19,914

2L
72.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

TrustFord Bristol - Cribbs Causeway

01173320497 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£27,991

2L
80.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

Why buy a used BMW X3?

If you're in the market for a mid-size SUV that's refined and luxurious, then a used BMW X3 is a great choice. The X3 looks classy from the outside and is a lot of fun to drive. With the efficient engine options combined with its comfortable and plush interior, the X3 ticks plenty of boxes for various types of buyer.

Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Pros

Efficient diesel engines
Well-designed interior space
Good fun to drive

Cons

Ride can be firm
Expensive accessories list
Hybrid has less boot space

Read our BMW X3 review

BMW X3 video review

lite-youtube[videoid='JNysqBA8wNg']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/JNysqBA8wNg/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='JNysqBA8wNg']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

Used BMW X3 buying guide

Engines and transmissions

While initially only offered with diesel engines, the BMW X3 now can be found with petrol, diesel and hybrid configurations, including a manual or an automatic gearbox and rear or four-wheel drive.

Petrol

xDrive30e plug-in hybrid has a top output of 287bhp with the XtraBoost engaged, giving it a 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds with an electric range of up to 26 miles.
xDrive20i includes a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine to create 181bhp with a consumption rating of up to 36.7mpg.
M40i contains a 3.0-litre straight-six to make 335bhp, giving the SUV a 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds.
At the top of the lineup, the M Competition has a 502bhp engine that cuts the 0-62mph time to 3.8 seconds.

Diesel

xDrive20d has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder to create 187bhp that returns a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds.
xDrive30d has a 3.0-litre six-cylinder to make 281bhp, reducing the 0-62mph time to 5.7 seconds.
M40d boosts output to 321bhp so that it can reach 62mph in 4.9 seconds.

Practicality

The X3 is designed to be practical while maintaining its smaller, more nimble footprint. It has a spacious interior and lots of standard technology features.

Interior space

Newer models have standard leather upholstery with heated front seats.
Rear seat legroom has been increased with each new generation.
ISOFIX points are included to secure child seats.

Boot space

550-litre boot in non-hybrid models (450 litres PHEV), matching the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
With rear seats down, there are 1,600 litres available, which is more than the Audi Q5.
Standard hands-free tailgate gives instant access to boot.

Safety

Perfect five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in 2017.
Adult occupant rating is 93%.
Standard features include lane departure, lane change warnings, a rear-view camera, cross-traffic warning, parking sensors and front collision warning with brake function.

Technology

Dual screens available – 12.3-inch driver information display and 12.3-inch infotainment system.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work seamlessly with the infotainment system.
Available touchscreen sat nav has clear, crisp graphics.

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

View guides

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.

Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Pros