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.

865 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,690

Finance available £127 pm

2L
147.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

H N S Motors

01274059857 *

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 X32023 (23) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£34,900

Finance available £696 pm

2L
62.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

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

£9,000

Finance available £179 pm

2L
95.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

MIDLANDS AUTOHAUS LIMITED

01164646024 *

BMW X32017 (17) - 3.0 30d SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,350

Finance available £365 pm

3L
51.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

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 X32012 (62) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
131.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW X32015 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£12,750

Finance available £263 pm

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,999

Finance available £520 pm

2L
21.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

£42,099

Finance available £900 pm

2L
11.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Glasgow

01412601249 *

BMW X32022 (72) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£36,590

2L
5.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Stoneacre Sheffield Volvo

01145510578 *

BMW X32018 - Xdrive20D M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£23,620

Finance available £505 pm

2L
37.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32014 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr

Reduced

£9,150

Finance available £182 pm

2L
94.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Ratcliffe Car Sales

02890026912 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£36,498

2L
35.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£14,395

Finance available £299 pm

2L
93.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Oaktree Motor Company Wales Ltd

01633499057 *

BMW X32014 (64) - 2.0 20d M Sport xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,880

Finance available £221 pm

2L
86.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

GD Motors

03030037968 *

BMW X32017 (67) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£12,800

Finance available £264 pm

2L
75.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Driven Of York

01937221340 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - 3.0i Competition SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (510 ps)

Low Mileage

£56,995

3L
27.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

SJ Specialist Cars Ltd

01942365154 *

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

01414735693 *

BMW X32016 (16) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£14,990

Finance available £313 pm

2L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Ashford Orbital Kia

01233223702 *

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