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.

870 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32013 (2L) - 3.0 XDRIVE35D M SPORT 5d 309 BHP 5-Door

Low Mileage

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

3L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Tradecarsliverpool Ltd

01513050145 *

BMW X32014 (02) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps) NATIONWIDE PART

£8,395

Finance available £165 pm

2L
105.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Kirkham Part Ex Centre

01772348362 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32011 (11) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

£3,450

Finance available £55 pm

2L
149.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Kudos Motors And Van Sales

01449700847 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£30,950

2L
22.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

PMA CARS

02890026896 *

BMW X32022 (71) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£32,900

Finance available £601 pm

2L
24.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Wimbledon

02038235453 *

BMW X32016 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

KPH SYKEHOUSE LTD TA Priory Motors

01405801107 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£20,799

Finance available £442 pm

2L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£39,082

2L
15.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

BMW X32020 (20) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£25,000

Finance available £448 pm

2L
39.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£28,499

Finance available £614 pm

2L
46.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£27,422

2L
41.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

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 X32013 - 2.0 X3 sDrive18d M Sport 5-Door

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Automotion Vehicle Sales

01752987252 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - X3 xDrive20i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£34,000

Finance available £678 pm

2L
15.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW X32016 (66) - 2.0 20d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motor Vise Ltd

02039467655 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£34,819

2L
20.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

BMW X32024 (24) - xDrive M40i MHT 5dr Auto

£54,900

Finance available £1,107 pm

3L
9.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£24,475

Finance available £482 pm

2L
33.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

The Car Co

01616945324 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (68) - 3.0 XDRIVE30D M SPORT 5d 261 BHP 5-Door

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

3L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hartlepool Motor Company Ltd

01429807308 *

BMW X32021 - 20d MHT M Sport 5-Door

£27,990

Finance available £554 pm

2L
33.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Whitley Bay Motors LTD

01916075847 *

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