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.

971 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£45,898

2L
15.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Irvine BMW

01294440528 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (19) - 3.0 M40i GPF SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (354 ps)

Low Mileage

£31,995

Finance available £637 pm

3L
45.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Savannah Cars Ltd

01702418484 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£40,490

Finance available £811 pm

2L
16.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Chesterfield

01246388445 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32014 (14) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£8,994

3L
114.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

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 X32018 (18) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£17,000

2L
81.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Riverside Car Sales Ltd

01283241530 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (68) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)-Factory Ex

£25,705

Finance available £508 pm

3L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Rix Motors

01925917564 *

BMW X32023 (23) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£34,900

Finance available £696 pm

2L
62.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£37,998

2L
30.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Irvine BMW

01294440528 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,999

Finance available £290 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AB Car Sales (South West) Ltd

01822661594 *

4.9/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£25,000

Finance available £525 pm

2L
38.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£25,995

Finance available £513 pm

2L
62.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW X32022 (22) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£30,000

2L
48.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£23,489

Finance available £462 pm

2L
40.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Direct Cars Limited

01145510336 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech-Plus Pack]

Low Mileage

£28,849

Finance available £610 pm

2L
22.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Castleford

01977800692 *

BMW X32014 (14) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£11,990

2L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Oakley Specialist Cars

01435510392 *

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

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Dave Fox Car Sales

01785336592 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£27,689

27.1K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Marshall BMW Scunthorpe

01724707996 *

BMW X32014 (64) - 3.0 30d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,990

3L
135.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Brookway Cars ltd

01515417904 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto with Heated St

Low Mileage

£35,999

2L
19.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Invicta Subaru Crawley

01293214024 *

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

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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.

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* 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.