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.

886 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Brown Cars

02890023186 *

BMW X32006 (06) - 3.0d M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£2,450

3L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Munich Performance LTD

01280733608 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive M40d 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£36,995

Finance available £739 pm

3L
19.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Comiskey Motors

02830447308 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£20,850

2L
53.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Peoples Ford Prescot

01515590435 *

BMW X32017 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£14,990

Finance available £313 pm

2L
83.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SNG MOTORS

02890026877 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£39,082

2L
15.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

BMW X32022 (71) - 210kW Premier Edition Pro 80kWh 5dr Auto

£24,990

41.3K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport Step Auto [Tech Pack] 5-Door

Low Mileage

£28,197

Finance available £583 pm

2L
27.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

CarSupermarket.com Birmingham

01215165158 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (67) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£19,995

Finance available £399 pm

2L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Eclipse Car Sales Limited

02392006073 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - 3.0 M40d MHT SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

£41,949

Finance available £841 pm

3L
35.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32009 (09) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Steptronic xDrive Euro 4 (218 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

3L
82.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Ace Prestige Autos

01134878957 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£24,559

Finance available £510 pm

2L
44.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - 3.0 X3 M40i Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£37,320

Finance available £746 pm

3L
14.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Ryds Group Ltd

02038704048 *

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£26,449

Finance available £523 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£28,990

Finance available £587 pm

2L
22.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Preston Audi

01772285533 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X3xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto Estate

£36,795

3L
23.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Perrys Preston Kia

01772289197 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£34,999

Finance available £744 pm

2L
14.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Glasgow

01412601249 *

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

£23,700

Finance available £418 pm

2L
64.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech Pack]

£24,249

Finance available £504 pm

2L
66.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

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