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.

877 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32014 (64) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£9,790

Finance available £196 pm

2L
112.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MB Executive Motor Company

02476936643 *

BMW X32016 (16) - XDRIVE20D STEP M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£16,999

2L
44.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hendy Car Store Portsmouth

02392006087 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£25,970

Finance available £524 pm

2L
73.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Bolton

01204323445 *

BMW X32020 (20) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Low Mileage

£31,997

Finance available £637 pm

3L
20.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Strada Cars

01642262600 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£23,490

2L
60.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Pure Cars

01924667281 *

BMW X32022 (71) - M40D -TECH/COMFORT PACKS -PAN ROOF -HARMAN KARDON - £5K EXTRAS 5-Door

Low Mileage

£44,995

Finance available £904 pm

3L
25.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

George Kingsley Vehicle Sales

01206580921 *

BMW X32024 (24) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£44,300

Finance available £890 pm

2L
11.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW X32023 (23) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£34,900

Finance available £696 pm

2L
62.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW X32013 (13) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,990

Finance available £179 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

David Wren Cars

01635884926 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£38,086

2L
19.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW X32015 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£13,595

Finance available £281 pm

2L
65.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Ballyrobert Bangor

02891249490 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£18,970

2L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32024 (74) - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£55,500

2L
3.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£30,783

2L
16.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall Volkswagen Reading

01189077016 *

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

Low Mileage

£26,990

3L
45.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Crewe SEAT

01270441045 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (65) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

Reduced

£6,999

Finance available £134 pm

2L
125.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Boston Car Centre

07470022010 *

BMW X32008 (08) - 2.0d M Sport 5dr [177] SPARES OR REPAIR

£1,295

2L
192.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Craven Cars Limited

01279219583 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (70) - X3 xDrive30d M Sport 5-Door

£32,500

3L
45.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32019 (19) - X3 xDrive20i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£24,864

2L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stoneacre Goole

01405800945 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£25,285

2L
36.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Charles Hurst Usedirect/ Premium Direct - Dundon

02890022199 *

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