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.

845 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32022 (22) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£36,845

2L
17.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£20,495

Finance available £400 pm

3L
94.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Pollock Car Sales

02870440584 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive M40i 5dr Step Auto

£28,498

3L
52.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Glasgow South Street Vauxhall/Peugeot/Citroen/Vanstore

01414839940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto Estate

£43,701

2L
6.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£43,173

2L
5.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW X32014 (64) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,999

Finance available £246 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Plus Pack]

£21,949

Finance available £454 pm

2L
70.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Store Northampton

01604343556 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (65) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£9,795

Finance available £197 pm

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Argentarii Cars

01452227270 *

4/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (70) - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

Reduced

£24,795

Finance available £489 pm

2L
32.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Worksop

01455241730 *

BMW X32013 (63) - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£8,990

Finance available £179 pm

3L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Autopoint UK (Notts) Ltd

01156977743 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£19,470

Finance available £413 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£48,273

2L
5.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW X32021 - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£31,595

2L
24.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Sinclair Direct Bridgend

01656339498 *

BMW X32012 - xDrive20d SE 5dr

Reduced

£6,695

Finance available £127 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Parkgate Auto Solutions

02890026882 *

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

£21,470

2L
90.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32013 - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£10,998

Finance available £223 pm

3L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

UP PRESTIGE LTD

01746331186 *

BMW X32007 (57) - 3.0sd M Sport Step Auto 5-Door

Reduced

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

3L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Spurland Motor Company

01494412371 *

BMW X32018 - 3.0 M40i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£26,790

3L
45.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Crewe SEAT

01270441045 *

4.2/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£44,326

2L
3.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Scunthorpe

01724707996 *

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive20 M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Estate

Low Mileage

£53,681

2L
3.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

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

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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