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.

883 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

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

Reduced

£12,975

Finance available £268 pm

2L
79.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Landmark 4x4

01772285779 *

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

Reduced

£38,995

Finance available £781 pm

3L
42.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

CC Cars Ltd

01618048227 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£41,468

2L
4.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

BMW X32019 (19) - xDrive20i xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£25,950

Finance available £513 pm

2L
27.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

BMW X32015 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£14,495

Finance available £302 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Auto Source Belfast

02890021454 *

BMW X32011 - 2.0 20d SE Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,495

2L
93.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32014 (64) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£10,490

Finance available £212 pm

2L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Autopoint UK (Notts) Ltd

01156977743 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (16) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Hilltop Motors

01216618553 *

BMW X32022 (72) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£35,990

Finance available £719 pm

2L
24.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Savannah Cars Ltd

01702418484 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (68) - X3 xDrive20i xLine 5-Door

Reduced

£20,995

2L
38.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stoneacre Newcastle Lexus

01916076197 *

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

£35,500

Finance available £709 pm

2L
32.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£26,995

Finance available £534 pm

3L
33.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£38,998

2L
14.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Milton Keynes

01416118716 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport Step Auto [Tech Pack] 5-Door

Low Mileage

£27,997

Finance available £579 pm

2L
27.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

CarSupermarket.com Birmingham

01215165158 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (19) - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£26,555

2L
20.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32004 (04) - 2.5i Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£995

2.5L
94.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Ash Motors

01494977763 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - XDRIVE20i M SPORT 5-Door

£24,975

Finance available £493 pm

2L
58.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

JMV

01634564263 *

BMW X32018 - 20d M Sport 5-Door

£19,295

Finance available £376 pm

2L
82.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Phoenix Car Centre

01962670197 *

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
107.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Thomas Devlin Car Sales

02894338824 *

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

£22,995

2L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

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