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.

864 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32015 (65) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£10,975

Finance available £223 pm

2L
108.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motor Hunt

02476936615 *

3/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (16) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£10,300

Finance available £208 pm

2L
93.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Catalina Of Stanningley

01134675328 *

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

Low Mileage

£12,799

Finance available £264 pm

2L
61.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Quality Cars Hub Ltd

02037636622 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£44,898

2L
11.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto [Tech/Pro Pk]

£44,998

3L
25.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Wigan)

01942597310 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£30,298

2L
40.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Bristol

01416118398 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - 3.0 M40d MHT Pro Edition Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£44,989

3L
29.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Blackstone Motors Ltd

01895542975 *

BMW X32015 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
89.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Mallusk Auto Centre

02890023123 *

BMW X32017 (67) - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

The Volvo Guys Ltd

01274087628 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32017 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

3L
52.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Derek Loane Motors

02885444501 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Pro Pack]

£26,999

Finance available £563 pm

2L
73.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch

01224453394 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (70) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£25,500

Finance available £455 pm

2L
38.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32013 - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£7,495

2L
98.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

£20,589

Finance available £424 pm

2L
68.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£25,800

Finance available £460 pm

2L
43.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£33,995

Finance available £678 pm

2L
52.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Greg Mitchell Motors

02881440365 *

BMW X32012 (12) - 35I M SPORT 3.0 AUTO xDRIVE EURO 5 SUV 5-Door

Low Mileage

£16,000

Finance available £335 pm

3L
30.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

KLAW MOTORS

02039537452 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

£17,574

2L
99.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Mountsorrel

01162165589 *

4.4/5 Stars

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 X32016 - 3.0 30d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

3L
108.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Ideal Car Centre Ltd

01902544596 *

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