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.

827 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 XDRIVE30E XLINE 5d 289 BHP 5-Door

£21,499

2L
70.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

BMW X32020 (20) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£26,995

Finance available £534 pm

2L
51.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive M40d MHT 5dr Auto

£48,047

3L
26.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

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 X32013 - XDRIVE 20D SE 5-Door

£8,490

Finance available £167 pm

2L
106.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Roydens Ltd

01795503963 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£36,599

Finance available £779 pm

2L
16.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Edinburgh

01312028747 *

BMW X32012 (12) - 2.0 20d M Sport Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,990

Finance available £111 pm

2L
122.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Town Autos

01234987579 *

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,995

2L
69.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Regent Cars

01732441852 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Reduced

£35,749

Finance available £714 pm

2L
28.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (70) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£26,995

Finance available £534 pm

2L
39.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

East Anglia Car Sales Ltd

01394331718 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

2L
51.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Newburgh Motors

01334800691 *

BMW X32018 (18) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£20,700

Finance available £440 pm

2L
57.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

BMW X32019 (19) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£21,995

Finance available £431 pm

2L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Ben Whitcombe Ltd

01934312921 *

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£27,295

2L
26.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Stoke

01782432972 *

BMW X32015 (3M) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

BMW X32022 (22) - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

£37,990

3L
34.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

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

£17,713

Finance available £351 pm

2L
99.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Bradford

01274087627 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£22,498

2L
64.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Warrington Motorstore/Renault/Dacia/Vanstore

01925917350 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£23,395

Finance available £521 pm

48.6K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32016 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto -H/LEATHER - FSH - NAV - BLUETOOTH

£14,490

Finance available £301 pm

3L
79.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

CSG Motor Company Ltd

01494415167 *

4/5 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

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