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.

851 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32019 (69) - 3.0 M40i GPF SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (354 ps)

£27,495

3L
66.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Wavertree Car Centre

01513189401 *

BMW X32008 (58) - 3.0d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£1,999

3L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Cheap Cars and Vans

02039475176 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (65) - 3.0 30d SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

3L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Southend Auto Sales Ltd

01702908029 *

BMW X32016 (16) - xDrive35d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£13,990

Finance available £290 pm

3L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Evolution Automotive Design Ltd

01743648884 *

BMW X32008 (58) - 3.0 XDRIVE30D SE 5d 215 BHP 5-Door

Low Mileage

£4,000

3L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hearsall Common Car Sales

02475105300 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 30e 12kWh xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,000

Finance available £370 pm

2L
92.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW X32017 (67) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£22,495

Finance available £442 pm

2L
51.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32021 (70) - X3 xDrive30d M Sport 5-Door

£29,693

3L
52.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32011 (11) - 2.0 20d SE Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

NE cars ltd

01918142378 *

BMW X32014 (64) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,999

Finance available £246 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

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

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motor Vise Ltd

02039467655 *

BMW X32017 (67) - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d XLine Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,690

2L
51.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Liberty Green Cars

01329559706 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£28,998

2L
26.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Birtley Motorstore / MG / Vanstore

01916070584 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£50,950

Finance available £1,026 pm

2L
5.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

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 X32013 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

£8,000

Finance available £156 pm

2L
108.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Wootton Motor Company

01553602430 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£32,998

2L
23.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Exeter

01414839930 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£18,694

Finance available £364 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AURA CAR SALES LTD

01709212053 *

BMW X32013 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£10,750

Finance available £218 pm

2L
76.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Rudi Gage Car Sales

02827440452 *

BMW X32011 (11) - xDrive 20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto TOP SPEC

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
136.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

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