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.

977 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£21,795

Finance available £427 pm

2L
72.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£28,998

2L
49.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Edinburgh Sighthill Motorstore/Fiat/Abarth/Leap

01316036582 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 3.0 M Competition SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (510 ps)

Reduced

£45,949

Finance available £923 pm

3L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

3.8/5 Stars

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

£5,490

2L
122.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Town Autos

01234987579 *

BMW X32009 (58) - 2.0d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
131.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

MOORGATE AUTOS LTD

01614139835 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£22,395

Finance available £440 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MCautosales

02879440626 *

BMW X32012 (12) - xDrive20d SE 5dr + LEATHER / CLIMATE / SENSORS / 12 MONTHS MOT

£4,725

2L
132.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£27,250

Finance available £539 pm

2L
65.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

FM MOTORS GB LTD

02039484610 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW X32011 - 3.0 X3 xDrive35d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£12,495

3L
92.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Peak Automotive Limited

01637801278 *

BMW X32017 (17) - 2.0 20d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
71.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

BRM Select Cars Ltd

01724709671 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32015 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£10,650

Finance available £216 pm

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

GOMOTIVE LIMITED

01744419381 *

BMW X32013 (13) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£6,995

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

S L Cars

01985800653 *

BMW X32011 (61) - 3.0 35d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (313 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,748

3L
85.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MQAS CARS LTD

01254946245 *

BMW X32021 - 2.0 30e 12kWh SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr Automatic

£15,695

2L
101.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£25,499

Finance available £503 pm

2L
36.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Lookers Stafford BMW

01785569200 *

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

£11,750

Finance available £240 pm

2L
87.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Zeus Cars Limited

01234237525 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - Xdrive30E M Sport 5-Door

£29,920

Finance available £646 pm

2L
45.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32017 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£20,499

Finance available £436 pm

2L
49.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - 2.0 30e 12kWh xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£32,300

Finance available £643 pm

2L
24.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d M Sport xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,688

Finance available £216 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Auto Group

02037808971 *

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

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

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.

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