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.

865 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32014 (14) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£9,890

Finance available £199 pm

2L
93.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Town Autos

01234987579 *

BMW X32022 (72) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£36,590

2L
5.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Stoneacre Sheffield Volvo

01145510578 *

BMW X32013 (63) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

BLOFIELD MC

01603931807 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (68) - 3.0 M40d Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£28,200

Finance available £608 pm

3L
46.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

BMW X32021 - 210kW Premier Edition 80kWh 5dr Auto

£22,499

Finance available £480 pm

45.9K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£31,698

Finance available £631 pm

2L
22.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Newcastle BYD

01916071118 *

BMW X32006 (06) - 2.0d SE 4WD Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,450

2L
150.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

MIDLAND CARS HUB LTD

01215165533 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

£28,700

Finance available £508 pm

2L
35.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e SE Auto 5-Door

Low Mileage

£32,197

Finance available £669 pm

2L
22.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

CarSupermarket.com Scunthorpe

01724514202 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£27,995

Finance available £555 pm

2L
54.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

O'Loughlin Brothers

02879440950 *

BMW X32013 - 20d SE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

ACE MOTOR VEHICLE LTD

01913001935 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£26,450

Finance available £523 pm

2L
45.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

NW Kehoe & Sons

02830447169 *

BMW X32011 (61) - 2.0 20d M Sport xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,999

Finance available £89 pm

2L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Karhouse

01494291900 *

BMW X32021 (70) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

£24,990

Finance available £493 pm

2L
52.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Cartime Rochdale

01615298277 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - 2.0 xDrive20d M Sport Auto 5dr

£30,000

Finance available £596 pm

2L
34.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Turners of Roborough

01752427448 *

BMW X32016 (66) - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£10,490

Finance available £212 pm

2L
92.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SR Motors

01793268063 *

BMW X32016 (66) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£12,295

2L
103.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Barriecars Ltd

01302972376 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£42,995

Finance available £863 pm

2L
13.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32011 (61) - 3.0 30d M Sport Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£9,350

Finance available £187 pm

3L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cambridgeshire Motor House LTD

01733666971 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

2L
51.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Newburgh Motors

01334800691 *

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