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.

940 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32023 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£38,823

2L
19.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£33,990

Finance available £678 pm

2L
27.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Moyway Motors

02887441322 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£25,995

Finance available £513 pm

2L
62.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW X32014 (63) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,000

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stringers of Petersfield

01730779314 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - 30e M Sport 5-Door

£39,995

Finance available £801 pm

2L
24.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Riviera Automotive Ltd

01274505967 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive M40i MHT 5dr Auto

£43,795

3L
28.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW X32023 (73) - 3.0 30d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£43,989

3L
17.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Yorkshire Vehicle Solutions Ltd

01423396105 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£31,495

Finance available £626 pm

2L
33.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Comiskey Motors

02830447308 *

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

Low Mileage

£12,299

2L
61.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Quality Cars Hub Ltd

02037636622 *

BMW X32021 (70) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£25,330

Finance available £500 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport Step Auto 5-Door

Low Mileage

£28,976

Finance available £600 pm

2L
24.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsupermarket.com Newcastle

01916070812 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£31,652

Finance available £643 pm

2L
30.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Bolton

01204323445 *

BMW X32023 (73) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£40,990

2L
5.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

BMW X32016 - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,895

Finance available £333 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Canfield Garage

01371700436 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£31,498

2L
38.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Leeds Roseville Road)

01134689402 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - 2.0 20i GPF xLine SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£20,151

Finance available £437 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive M40i 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£34,695

3L
27.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Wolverhampton

01902544572 *

BMW X32017 (17) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£17,470

2L
32.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (20) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£27,999

Finance available £591 pm

2L
37.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£30,000

2L
57.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

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

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

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.

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* 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.