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.

878 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 20d MHT SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£22,995

Finance available £481 pm

2L
71.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

BMW X32017 (67) - xLine xDrive20d Auto - Sat Nav & Rear Camera & Electric Seats & FSH 5-Door

Low Mileage

£20,990

Finance available £411 pm

2L
14.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Crossroads Garage Limited

01909496760 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Pro Pack]

£44,078

2L
6.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

BMW X32015 (65) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

Reduced

£7,599

Finance available £147 pm

2L
125.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Boston Car Centre

07470022010 *

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

£18,796

Finance available £366 pm

2L
76.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Tenby Car Supermarket

01582280726 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£28,600

Finance available £513 pm

2L
27.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto Estate

£44,500

2L
6.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32011 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [2011-11] BLUE

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

3L
131.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

MK Motors

01494296041 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£21,999

Finance available £431 pm

2L
69.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (62) - 2.0 20d M Sport Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
88.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Chelmsford City Cars Limited

01245206461 *

BMW X32021 (71) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£33,649

Finance available £671 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Reduced

£26,949

Finance available £533 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£42,392

2L
11.9K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£46,350

2L
3.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32015 - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£14,695

Finance available £306 pm

2L
38.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

SM Motors NI

02827440451 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£51,950

Finance available £1,047 pm

2L
8.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£23,099

Finance available £484 pm

2L
39.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£25,695

Finance available £507 pm

3L
51.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

100

£20,990

Finance available £411 pm

2L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

K and A Cars Ltd

01753291084 *

BMW X32023 (23) - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

£42,990

3L
20.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

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

Cons

Engines and transmissions

Practicality

Safety

Technology

Shop by Trim

Shop by Engine Size

Shop by Fuel Type

Shop by Transmission

Shop by Colour

Shop by Registration Year

Shop by Drivetrain

Third Generation (2017 to 2017)

Second Generation (2010 to 2017)

Which is the most popular engine in the BMW X3?

Which are the most popular trim levels?

What optional extras should I look out for?

Is the BMW X3 a good family car?

Is there a hybrid version of the BMW X3?

Is the BMW X3 available as an automatic?

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

878 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 20d MHT SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

BMW X32017 (67) - xLine xDrive20d Auto - Sat Nav & Rear Camera & Electric Seats & FSH 5-Door

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Pro Pack]

BMW X32015 (65) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

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

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto Estate

BMW X32011 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [2011-11] BLUE

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

BMW X32012 (62) - 2.0 20d M Sport Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

BMW X32021 (71) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

BMW X32015 - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

BMW X32018 (68) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

BMW X32023 (23) - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

Why buy a used BMW X3?

Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Pros

Cons

BMW X3 video review

Used BMW X3 buying guide

Engines and transmissions

Practicality

Safety

Technology

Search used BMW X3 by type

Find a specific BMW X3

Shop by Trim

Shop by Engine Size

Shop by Fuel Type

Shop by Transmission

Shop by Colour

Shop by Registration Year

Shop by Drivetrain

Different generations of used BMW X3

Third Generation (2017 to 2017)

Second Generation (2010 to 2017)

Used BMW X3 FAQ's

Which is the most popular engine in the BMW X3?

Which are the most popular trim levels?

What optional extras should I look out for?

Is the BMW X3 a good family car?

Is there a hybrid version of the BMW X3?

Is the BMW X3 available as an automatic?

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for