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.

886 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32024 - 3.0 M40i MHT SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (360 ps) Automa

Low Mileage

£52,000

3L
5.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Dinnages Ford East Worthing

01903924347 *

3.9/5 Stars

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

£24,991

2L
79.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SELECT CARS & COMMERCIALS

01582280231 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,999

Finance available £536 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - 3.0i Competition SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (510 ps)

Low Mileage

£56,995

3L
27.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

SJ Specialist Cars Ltd

01942365154 *

BMW X32019 (19) - 3.0 M40d SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps)

Reduced

£28,449

Finance available £564 pm

3L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32013 - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£7,495

2L
98.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£25,495

Finance available £503 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MCautosales

02879440626 *

BMW X32017 (17) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

Reduced

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

3L
112.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cars 4 You Ltd

01506376842 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (61) - 3.0 30d SE Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,735

Finance available £150 pm

3L
78.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MAJESTIC JOURNEYS LTD

01753387030 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£35,898

2L
35.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£29,998

2L
29.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy BMW

01592802402 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - 210kW Premier Edition Pro 80kWh 5dr Auto

£23,395

Finance available £521 pm

48.6K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (17) - 30d M-SPORT X-DRIVE AUTOMATIC EURO 6 5-Door

£15,249

Finance available £318 pm

3L
81.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Essex 4x4 Centre

01277286670 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£51,950

Finance available £1,047 pm

2L
5.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£45,898

3L
23.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£37,900

Finance available £758 pm

3L
27.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£35,630

2L
25.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW X32019 (68) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£24,499

3L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - 3.0 X3 xDrive 30d XLine Auto 4WD 5dr

£18,000

Finance available £349 pm

3L
101.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

NATIONAL CAR HUB

01922665543 *

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