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.

871 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32008 (58) - 2.0d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£3,695

Finance available £60 pm

2L
89.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW X32022 - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

£26,238

Finance available £575 pm

2L
67.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (61) - 3.0 30d SE Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,745

Finance available £151 pm

3L
78.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MAJESTIC JOURNEYS LTD

01753387030 *

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

£6,499

Finance available £123 pm

2L
131.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Royale Motoring Services LTD

01234639907 *

BMW X32016 - 3.0 35d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (313 ps)

£14,846

Finance available £316 pm

3L
84.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32013 - XDRIVE20d M SPORT STEP AUTOMATIC 5-Door

Low Mileage

£13,695

Finance available £284 pm

2L
83.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carwhinley Cars

01228276697 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

£20,739

Finance available £428 pm

2L
68.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

£11,930

Finance available £244 pm

2L
103.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Krk Motors

01785336244 *

BMW X32015 - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£14,695

Finance available £306 pm

2L
38.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

SM Motors NI

02827440451 *

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

Low Mileage

£27,400

Finance available £498 pm

2L
36.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32013 (8O) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,990

2L
95.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£41,500

2L
7.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (72) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

2L
79.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Worksop

01455241730 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£25,999

Finance available £542 pm

2L
69.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch

01473356705 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive M40d MHT 5dr Auto

£49,995

Finance available £1,007 pm

3L
20.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

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

£26,900

Finance available £579 pm

2L
44.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (63) - 2.0 18d SE Auto sDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,900

Finance available £109 pm

2L
117.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SMS Motors

01144786434 *

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

£27,810

Finance available £611 pm

2L
37.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£41,568

2L
5.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£13,450

Finance available £278 pm

2L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Pro Motor Salvage

01156977774 *

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