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.

882 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

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

£43,781

2L
6.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32014 - 20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£13,995

2L
58.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Top Gear Stoke

01782432847 *

0/5 Stars

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

£15,803

Finance available £331 pm

2L
131.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Horsepower Motor Centre Ltd

01732927681 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£29,980

Finance available £595 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Belgrave Motor Company

01143086573 *

BMW X32019 (69) - xDrive20i M Sport Auto 5dr - Apple CarPlay & Rear Camera & Heated Seats

Low Mileage

£24,490

Finance available £483 pm

2L
39.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Crossroads Garage Limited

01909496760 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive M40i 5dr Step Auto

£28,420

Finance available £613 pm

3L
59.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive M40i MHT 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£54,898

3L
5.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Irvine BMW

01294440528 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£43,201

2L
6.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£25,285

2L
36.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Charles Hurst Usedirect/ Premium Direct - Dundon

02890022199 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 210kW Premier Edition 80kWh 5dr Auto

£18,400

82.8K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Wimbledon

02038235453 *

BMW X32020 (69) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£23,491

2L
78.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32014 (63) - sDrive18d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

NJH Car Sales

01792940611 *

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

Low Mileage

£40,920

2L
3.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

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

£11,480

Finance available £234 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
99.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

SM Motors NI

02827440451 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£22,880

Finance available £450 pm

2L
54.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Mantles Used Cars Royston

01763291130 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e SE 5dr Auto

£23,854

Finance available £480 pm

2L
36.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Halesowen

01217525895 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (63) - 2.0 20d BluePerformance M Sport xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,494

Finance available £145 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW X32018 (68) - XDRIVE20I M SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£26,495

2L
23.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

St Michaels Garage Sittingbourne

01795502669 *

BMW X32016 (16) - xDrive30d SE 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£12,695

Finance available £261 pm

3L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Colebrook and Sons Ltd

01202145724 *

4.7/5 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