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.

895 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£57,995

2L
7.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

£24,795

Finance available £489 pm

2L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£23,990

Finance available £472 pm

3L
69.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Conor Morgan Cars Ltd

02890023207 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive M40d 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£31,495

3L
35.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£29,991

2L
36.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall Honda Blackburn

01254781192 *

BMW X32015 (3M) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

BMW X32021 (21) - 3.0 M Competition SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (510 ps)

£46,949

Finance available £944 pm

3L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

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 X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,460

Finance available £379 pm

2L
83.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

TMMC The Manchester Motor Company Ltd

01204324191 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - 3.0 X3 M40i Auto 4WD 5dr

£30,977

Finance available £616 pm

3L
53.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Your Best Car Ltd

01580232496 *

BMW X32018 - M40I XDRIVE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£27,950

Finance available £578 pm

3L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Quirks Car Company

01268590066 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£28,040

Finance available £616 pm

2L
31.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (19) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£22,395

2L
72.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Paragon Motor Company Ltd

01945668594 *

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

Low Mileage

£24,475

Finance available £482 pm

2L
33.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

The Car Co

01616945324 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£21,999

Finance available £431 pm

2L
69.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

3L
134.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

SAAD MOTORS LTD

01613887780 *

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 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£13,595

Finance available £281 pm

2L
65.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Ballyrobert Bangor

02891249490 *

BMW X32019 (68) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£22,995

Finance available £481 pm

3L
73.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

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

Low Mileage

£28,000

Finance available £501 pm

2L
26.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

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

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.

Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Pros