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.

978 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32019 (19) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£23,000

2L
55.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

The Motoring Centre Ltd

01926569190 *

BMW X32019 (69) - 3.0 X3 M Competition Edition Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£43,990

3L
34.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Phantom Motor Company

01942365271 *

BMW X32023 (73) - 3.0 M40I MHEV 5d 355 BHP 5-Door

Low Mileage

£49,991

3L
12.8K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
Estate

Newton & Lee Automotive Ltd

01207263738 *

BMW X32008 (08) - 2.0d M Sport 5dr [177] SPARES OR REPAIR

£1,295

2L
192.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Craven Cars Limited

01279219583 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - 210kW Premier Edition 80kWh 5dr Auto

£17,490

Finance available £339 pm

41.5K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

HD AUTOS SHEFFIELD

01144786507 *

BMW X32019 (19) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£20,800

Finance available £433 pm

2L
61.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW X32021 (21) - X3 xDrive20i M Sport 5-Door

£29,000

2L
35.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32022 - Xdrive20I Mht Xline 5Dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£32,599

Finance available £783 pm

2L
20.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Lookers Stoke-on-Trent BMW

01782917219 *

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

£23,493

Finance available £462 pm

46.7K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Hull

01482249158 *

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

£13,600

Finance available £282 pm

2L
80.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32025 (25) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack] Diesel Estate

£51,511

2L
4.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (12) - 3.0 30d M Sport Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£7,895

3L
113.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Autohub Northampton

01604343474 *

4.9/5 Stars

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 X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£29,995

Finance available £596 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Comiskey Motors

02830447308 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£25,285

2L
36.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Charles Hurst Usedirect/ Premium Direct - Dundon

02890022199 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£27,950

Finance available £554 pm

2L
54.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Lochside Garages Ltd

02866336074 *

BMW X3(61) - XDrive 35i M Sports SUV 3.0 5-Door

Low Mileage

£11,949

41.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

M Cars Surrey Ltd

01342649540 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32025 - Xdrive 30E M Sport 5Dr Auto

£45,999

Finance available £1,113 pm

2L
5.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Lookers Stoke-on-Trent BMW

01782917219 *

BMW X32019 (69) - 3.0i M Competition SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (510 ps)

Reduced

£37,995

Finance available £760 pm

3L
42.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

CC Cars Ltd

01618048227 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£28,374

18.0K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

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.

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.