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.

870 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£22,498

2L
64.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Warrington Motorstore/Renault/Dacia/Vanstore

01925917350 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (67) - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d XLine Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,695

2L
51.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Liberty Green Cars

01329559706 *

3.3/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - 3.0 M40d Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£21,789

Finance available £427 pm

3L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Manor Farm Cars Ltd

01217525777 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£25,950

Finance available £513 pm

2L
20.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

THORP ARCH MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED

01937220370 *

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 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 (15) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

£11,340

3L
115.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£12,790

Finance available £263 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Ideal Car Centre

01617904497 *

BMW X32014 (64) - 2.0 20d M Sport xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,880

Finance available £221 pm

2L
86.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

GD Motors

03030037968 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

3L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32022 (22) - 3.0 M40d MHT SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

£41,949

Finance available £841 pm

3L
35.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£28,527

Finance available £628 pm

2L
31.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

£28,350

Finance available £562 pm

2L
58.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

drivedirect Leicester

01164646061 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive M40d 5dr Step Auto

£21,995

Finance available £431 pm

3L
89.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Gwyndaf Evans Motors

01341400160 *

BMW X32008 (08) - 2.0d SE 5dr

£1,495

2L
140.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

T's Auto Haven

01274028344 *

BMW X32022 - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£35,995

Finance available £611 pm

2L
25.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Norman Motors Bournemouth

01202133536 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32011 (11) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

£4,799

Finance available £85 pm

2L
116.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Soalmoto

07568570888 *

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

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
112.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£20,799

Finance available £442 pm

2L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (19) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

2L
72.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Falling Lane Cars

01895541825 *

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

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Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Pros