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.

851 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32024 - xDrive20 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£54,450

2L
5.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£18,694

Finance available £364 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AURA CAR SALES LTD

01709212053 *

BMW X32016 (16) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£12,840

Finance available £265 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

DR Motors

01162162407 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Pro Pack]

£27,499

2L
73.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch

01224453394 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£31,200

Finance available £561 pm

2L
24.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Wimbledon

02038235453 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20 M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pk]

£52,475

2L
7.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£22,999

Finance available £482 pm

2L
25.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Norwich

01332419206 *

BMW X32016 (16) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,695

Finance available £217 pm

2L
105.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Audenshaw Motor Company Ltd TA Audenshaw Motors

01614139877 *

4/5 Stars

BMW X32011 (11) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£5,500

Finance available £101 pm

2L
155.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

City Smart Cars

01134689872 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Plus Pack]

£20,495

Finance available £400 pm

2L
60.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Mervyn Stewart MG/Suzuki

02891638411 *

BMW X32011 (61) - 3.0 30d M Sport Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£8,950

Finance available £178 pm

3L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cambridgeshire Motor House LTD

01733666971 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£35,898

2L
35.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Milton Keynes

01416118716 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32005 (05) - 3.0i Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£2,995

3L
97.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Cloverlay Car Sales Limited Rainham

01634564271 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (70) - X3 M40i 5-Door

Low Mileage

£37,984

3L
29.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (66) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

£13,490

2L
76.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stoneacre Harrogate

01432801661 *

BMW X32019 (69) - 3.0 M40i GPF SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (354 ps)

£27,495

3L
66.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Wavertree Car Centre

01513189401 *

BMW X32021 (71) - M40I 5-Door

£34,999

Finance available £744 pm

3L
42.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Wilsons Used

02037808195 *

BMW X32018 (18) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£22,850

Finance available £488 pm

3L
54.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - 2.0 20d M Sport Suv 5dr Diesel Auto Xdrive Euro 6 s/s 190 Ps

Low Mileage

£25,495

Finance available £536 pm

2L
36.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

EMG Motor Group Thetford

01842772147 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - X3 M40i 5-Door

Low Mileage

£43,864

3L
21.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.6/5 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