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.

875 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

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 X32013 (62) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,700

Finance available £261 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Bhakar-Wood Cars LTD

01952953931 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£25,900

Finance available £497 pm

2L
55.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW X32021 (21) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£30,331

2L
18.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£21,700

Finance available £472 pm

2L
62.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW X32014 (14) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£12,299

Finance available £252 pm

2L
61.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Quality Cars Hub Ltd

02037636622 *

BMW X32021 (71) - M40I 5-Door

Reduced

£34,699

3L
42.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Wilsons Used

02037808195 *

BMW X32016 (65) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£9,795

Finance available £197 pm

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Argentarii Cars

01452227270 *

4/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (18) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£21,990

Finance available £431 pm

2L
61.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Spa Motors Brecon

01874640370 *

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

2L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

BEN HODGSON CARS LTD

01228273236 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£41,995

Finance available £842 pm

2L
13.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£21,389

Finance available £419 pm

2L
78.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Used Cars Uk

01992667030 *

0/5 Stars

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) - 3.0 M40d SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps)

Low Mileage

£35,900

Finance available £704 pm

3L
20.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW X32017 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£14,206

Finance available £301 pm

2L
77.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£25,995

Finance available £513 pm

2L
52.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32019 (68) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive-2 OWNER CAR FINISHED IN SOPHISTO

Low Mileage

£25,950

Finance available £513 pm

3L
49.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Rix Motors

01925917564 *

BMW X32016 (16) - XDRIVE20D STEP M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£16,999

2L
44.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hendy Car Store Portsmouth

02392006087 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (17) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

2L
84.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Tenby Car Supermarket

01582280726 *

BMW X32015 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£11,650

Finance available £238 pm

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

MCT CARS LTD

02890023785 *

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

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Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Pros