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.

936 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£27,598

2L
42.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall Nissan Doncaster

01302245278 *

BMW X32021 - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

£19,495

Finance available £380 pm

2L
100.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Motorology

01515417934 *

BMW X32011 (61) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto Diesel Automatic 4x4 4wd

Reduced

£7,750

Finance available £151 pm

2L
96.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Chartwell Suffolk Ltd

01787326839 *

4.2/5 Stars

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

£18,400

Finance available £357 pm

2L
92.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW X32012 - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,495

2L
68.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport 5dr Auto xDrive (SAT NAV, FULL LEATHER)

Low Mileage

£34,988

2L
20.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (16) - 3.0 30d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

3L
55.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Select Cars Countrywide Limited

01392537679 *

BMW X32023 (61) - xDrive35i M Sport 3.0i Automatic

Low Mileage

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

3L
72.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Oakley Specialist Cars

01435510392 *

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 X32018 (68) - X3 xDrive20i xLine 5-Door

Reduced

£20,000

2L
38.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stoneacre Newcastle Lexus

01916076197 *

BMW X32013 (13) - 2.0 XDRIVE20D SE 5d 181 BHP 5-Door

£5,995

2L
1.0
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Formula One Car Centre

01324374133 *

3.7/5 Stars

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

£15,750

Finance available £330 pm

2L
77.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

GT Automotive

01902937679 *

BMW X32021 - x3 M40d M PRO EDITION (INDIVIDUAL PAINT, SAT NAV, 4X SERVICES & MAXTON KIT) 5-Door

Reduced

£40,945

3L
46.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Brooklands Motor Centres

01135321282 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£22,500

Finance available £442 pm

2L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

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

£18,990

Finance available £370 pm

2L
83.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

TMMC The Manchester Motor Company Ltd

01204324191 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,750

Finance available £488 pm

2L
49.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£27,995

Finance available £555 pm

2L
52.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32012 - XDRIVE20d M SPORT 6 SPEED MANUAL 5-Door

Reduced

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
62.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Carwhinley Cars

01228276697 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto Estate

Low Mileage

£43,187

2L
5.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£39,993

Finance available £801 pm

2L
11.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Doncaster

01302203473 *

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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