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.

871 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

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

Reduced

£28,990

2L
49.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

LKC Motors

01909491436 *

BMW X32023 - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£36,500

Finance available £729 pm

2L
32.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32013 - XDRIVE 20D SE 5-Door

£8,490

Finance available £167 pm

2L
106.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Roydens Ltd

01795503963 *

BMW X32009 (59) - xDrive20d Limited Sport Edition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£5,250

Finance available £95 pm

2L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Leisure Car Shop Ltd

01245204842 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£29,498

2L
44.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Swansea

01414839956 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£27,199

Finance available £574 pm

2L
34.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Maidstone

01622291202 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£35,499

Finance available £755 pm

2L
14.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Glasgow

01412601249 *

BMW X32023 (73) - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£47,400

Finance available £953 pm

3L
6.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW X32014 (14) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Select Cars Countrywide Limited

01392537679 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£38,699

Finance available £825 pm

2L
14.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Peterborough

01733797063 *

BMW X32018 - Xdrive20D M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£23,620

Finance available £505 pm

2L
37.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32014 (64) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,885

Finance available £154 pm

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hampton Motorgroup

01216618720 *

BMW X32017 (17) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

Reduced

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

3L
112.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cars 4 You Ltd

01506376842 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (19) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£22,995

3L
68.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stoneacre Lincoln Kia

01522459163 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

2L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Moy Auto Services

02887448024 *

BMW X32014 (64) - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,299

Finance available £163 pm

2L
113.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

OTR Motors

01612416878 *

BMW X32013 (63) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
152.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marsh Lane Car Sales and Repairs Ltd

01952984345 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

£46,498

3L
18.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow Garscube Road Vauxhall / Leapmotor

01414736408 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (65) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

Reduced

£7,599

Finance available £147 pm

2L
125.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Boston Car Centre

07470022010 *

BMW X32019 (19) - 3.0 M40d Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£29,489

3L
61.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Yorkshire Vehicle Solutions Ltd

01423396105 *

0/5 Stars

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