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.

843 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32019 (69) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

£28,850

3L
50.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

JMC Stratford Ltd

01789338314 *

BMW X32013 (13) - sDrive18d SE 5dr

Reduced

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
127.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Ainsdale Car Centre

01704337328 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£49,566

2L
5.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£27,995

Finance available £555 pm

2L
54.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

O'Loughlin Brothers

02879440950 *

BMW X32014 (63) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£8,295

Finance available £163 pm

2L
101.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Signature Motor Sales

01274059708 *

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

Low Mileage

£16,990

Finance available £357 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Maldon Cars and Vans Ltd

01245204347 *

BMW X32012 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto finance available

Reduced

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Axholme Car Exchange Limited

01724514216 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (63) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,000

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Bob Davies Car Sales

01495369890 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32008 (57) - 2.0d SE SUV 5dr Diesel, AUTOMATIC, SERVICE HISTORY

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
135.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Autopoint (Stansted) Ltd

01279212477 *

BMW X32019 (19) - 3.0 M40d Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£29,489

3L
61.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Yorkshire Vehicle Solutions Ltd

01423396105 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£16,195

2L
143.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Stoke

01782432972 *

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

£18,470

2L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£22,499

2L
59.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

BMW X32012 (12) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (258 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,600

Finance available £192 pm

3L
84.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hammond Cars Great Yarmouth

01493806041 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£22,495

Finance available £442 pm

2L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

O'Loughlin Brothers

02879440950 *

BMW X32022 (72) - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£33,500

Finance available £668 pm

2L
26.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Rood End Cars

01217525761 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£25,899

Finance available £545 pm

2L
41.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Chingford

02039104754 *

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£28,000

Finance available £497 pm

2L
17.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32011 (11) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

£4,799

Finance available £85 pm

2L
116.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Soalmoto

07568570888 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£23,395

Finance available £460 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

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