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.

968 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32022 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£32,898

2L
38.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Dumfries BMW/MINI

01387340162 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive M40i MHT 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£61,350

3L
1.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£25,995

Finance available £513 pm

2L
42.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

D Salmon Jeep Colchester

01206489446 *

BMW X32022 (22) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£31,491

2L
55.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32011 (11) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

£4,895

2L
133.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Tnd Car Sales LTD

01233555386 *

0/5 Stars

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

£18,999

Finance available £370 pm

2L
75.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SLF car sales

02038933675 *

BMW X32018 (68) - X3 M40i 5-Door

Low Mileage

£29,000

3L
43.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

Reduced

£26,199

Finance available £546 pm

2L
52.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch

02039092092 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (70) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Estate

£26,995

2L
43.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32012 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£6,990

2L
101.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Carmichael Cars

02890023196 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£21,749

Finance available £426 pm

2L
61.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Top Gear NI

02879440940 *

BMW X32016 (16) - xDrive30d SE 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£12,695

Finance available £261 pm

3L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Colebrook and Sons Ltd

01202145724 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

£43,498

2L
16.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Preston)

01772957336 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£39,990

2L
26.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Chesterfield

01246388445 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£39,992

2L
17.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Derby

01332318252 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£36,950

Finance available £739 pm

2L
20.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£13,885

Finance available £288 pm

2L
78.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Donnelly & Taggart Motorstore Derry/Londonderry

02871221721 *

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

£15,989

Finance available £335 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorhub

01535281058 *

BMW X32010 (60) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

£3,685

2L
124.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

HCS Motor Group

01733794293 *

BMW X32013 (63) - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£6,750

3L
112.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

East Kent Car Sales

01795502170 *

0/5 Stars

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

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

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

lite-youtube[videoid='JNysqBA8wNg']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/JNysqBA8wNg/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='JNysqBA8wNg']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

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.