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.

904 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

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

£25,000

Finance available £477 pm

2L
59.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£14,495

Finance available £302 pm

2L
75.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

CarBrothers NI

02894339938 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£23,700

Finance available £466 pm

2L
86.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£32,990

Finance available £657 pm

2L
71.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Top Gear Motors

02881440371 *

BMW X32012 (62) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£7,499

2L
109.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£29,950

Finance available £595 pm

2L
35.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

PRESTIGE MARQUES

02890023771 *

BMW X32024 (24) - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£47,400

Finance available £953 pm

3L
11.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

BMW X32022 (72) - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Estate

£37,138

2L
22.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32008 (08) - 3.0 sd M Sport Steptronic 4WD Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,200

Finance available £94 pm

3L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Browns Car Company

01621733495 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£27,099

Finance available £565 pm

2L
73.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch

01224453394 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£29,991

2L
24.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£43,298

2L
20.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Broxburn Seat / Fiat

01506532870 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (67) - 3.0 30d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Low Mileage

£21,499

3L
36.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

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

£27,500

Finance available £527 pm

2L
39.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

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

Low Mileage

£8,100

Finance available £159 pm

3L
78.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MAJESTIC JOURNEYS LTD

01753387030 *

BMW X32019 (19) - xDrive M40d 5dr Step Auto Diesel Estate

£28,495

3L
53.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - 3.0 M40i GPF Auto xDrive Euro 6 5-Door

£26,740

Finance available £529 pm

3L
86.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Andrew James Cars Ltd

01474556864 *

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto Estate

£43,781

2L
6.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32013 - XDRIVE20d M SPORT 5-Door

£6,499

Finance available £123 pm

2L
131.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

M&G Motors

01782940072 *

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

* 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.

Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Pros