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.

864 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32016 - 2.0 20d SE xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,700

Finance available £172 pm

2L
95.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

MIDLANDS AUTOHAUS LIMITED

01164646024 *

BMW X32022 (22) - X3 xDrive30 M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£33,852

2L
18.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£9,650

Finance available £193 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

iCars Automotive Ltd

07482502192 *

BMW X32014 (14) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£6,795

Finance available £129 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Land Auto West Ltd

01213872434 *

BMW X32022 - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£36,999

Finance available £740 pm

2L
15.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Days Motorpark Swansea

01792739768 *

3.8/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - X3 DIESEL 2.0D M SPORT AUTO 5-Door

£19,999

2L
85.2K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
SUV

Fleet Sales (Leicester) Limited

01455245180 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X3(21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£28,395

Finance available £563 pm

44.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Not Supplied

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£24,950

Finance available £492 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

RW MOTORS Ltd

02890026905 *

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

Low Mileage

£8,100

Finance available £159 pm

3L
84.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hammond Cars Great Yarmouth

01493806041 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (13) - 2.0 18d SE Auto sDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,950

Finance available £200 pm

2L
51.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

My-motorcar.com

01554701580 *

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

Low Mileage

£7,735

Finance available £150 pm

3L
78.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MAJESTIC JOURNEYS LTD

01753387030 *

BMW X32014 (14) - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£7,665

Finance available £149 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Eastside Motors

01217288688 *

4.5/5 Stars

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 £503 pm

2L
28.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

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

Low Mileage

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
85.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Shawn Dream Cars Ltd

02476936576 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (17) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£16,149

Finance available £338 pm

2L
58.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Shahz Cars Ltd

01525308852 *

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

£25,000

Finance available £441 pm

2L
52.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32012 - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,495

2L
68.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (70) - X3 M40i 5-Door

Low Mileage

£37,984

3L
29.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (65) - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£14,695

Finance available £287 pm

3L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Eclipse Car Sales Limited

02392006073 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£27,599

Finance available £594 pm

2L
43.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

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