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.

874 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

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

£22,966

Finance available £461 pm

2L
72.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Bolton

01204323445 *

BMW X32013 (13) - 2.0 XDRIVE20D SE 5d 181 BHP 5-Door

£5,995

2L
1.0
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Formula One Car Centre

01324374133 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive M40d MHT 5dr Auto

£47,995

Finance available £965 pm

3L
20.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

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

£24,000

Finance available £428 pm

2L
61.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive M40i MHT 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£54,898

3L
5.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Irvine BMW

01294440528 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32004 (54) - 2004 2.5i Sport 5dr SILVER FULL LEATHER SERVICE HISTORY PAN ROOF

Low Mileage

£2,299

2.5L
86.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
SUV

GT Sports & 4x4

01274059833 *

BMW X32015 (15) - 2.0 20d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,895

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hillington Motor Co Ltd

01414730658 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£30,998

2L
37.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Warrington Motorstore/Renault/Dacia/Vanstore

01925917350 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£22,395

Finance available £440 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MCautosales

02879440626 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£27,495

Finance available £544 pm

2L
67.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Lakeland Cars (NI) Ltd

02890023697 *

BMW X32020 (70) - 3.0 M40d SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps)

Low Mileage

£35,900

Finance available £704 pm

3L
20.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW X32024 - X3 xDrive20i M Sport 5-Door

£42,650

Finance available £856 pm

2L
15.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32025 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£56,995

Finance available £1,150 pm

2L
3.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

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

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
69.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Eastside Motors

01217288688 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32025 (62) - 2.0 20i SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,449

Finance available £256 pm

2L
29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

M Cars Surrey Ltd

01342649540 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£20,699

Finance available £440 pm

2L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32014 (63) - sDrive18d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

NJH Car Sales

01792940611 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£27,991

2L
20.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW X32017 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
78.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

S.M.T Automotive Ltd

01296326349 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£25,995

Finance available £513 pm

2L
52.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

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