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.

885 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32018 (68) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£26,200

2L
39.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

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 X32022 (71) - X3 xDrive20i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£33,000

2L
21.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive X3 M Competition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£40,995

Finance available £822 pm

31.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Not Supplied

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£22,750

Finance available £447 pm

2L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Brown Cars

02890023186 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£26,995

Finance available £534 pm

2L
69.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

3 Bridge Car Sales

02871221749 *

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£16,298

45.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark St Helens Renault / Dacia / Vanstore

01744419406 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32012 - XDRIVE20D M SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,999

Finance available £223 pm

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hafod Car Sales

01792344481 *

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£11,850

Finance available £242 pm

2L
97.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Berrow Motors

01278554025 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,460

Finance available £379 pm

2L
83.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

TMMC The Manchester Motor Company Ltd

01204324191 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£48,195

2L
12.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£32,990

Finance available £657 pm

2L
71.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Top Gear Motors

02881440371 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£40,876

2L
6.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

BMW X32012 (62) - XDRIVE20d M SPORT STEP AUTOMATIC 5-Door

Low Mileage

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
67.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carwhinley Cars

01228276697 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Pro Pack]

£40,707

2L
6.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Scunthorpe

01724707996 *

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

£26,314

Finance available £531 pm

38.1K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Shrewsbury

01743292169 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£44,898

2L
10.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (63) - 2.0 20d BluePerformance M Sport xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,521

Finance available £146 pm

2L
90.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

SR Motors

01793268063 *

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

£5,949

Finance available £111 pm

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

M Cars Surrey Ltd

01342649540 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - 210kW Premier Edition Pro 80kWh 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£28,087

26.4K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

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