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.

953 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32012 (12) - 35I M SPORT 3.0 AUTO xDRIVE EURO 5 SUV 5-Door

Low Mileage

£16,000

3L
30.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

KLAW MOTORS

02039537452 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (15) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,500

Finance available £279 pm

2L
44.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car 4 Everyone Ltd

01902904121 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£22,599

Finance available £468 pm

2L
70.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch

01224453394 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive M40d MHT 5dr Auto

£49,491

Finance available £996 pm

3L
14.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Hull

01482249158 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech Pack] - AUTO PARK - LED - REVERSE CAM

Low Mileage

£27,365

Finance available £553 pm

2L
28.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Gloucester

01452227227 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£23,446

Finance available £471 pm

2L
55.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Shrewsbury

01743292169 *

BMW X32022 - X3 xDrive20i M Sport 5-Door

£30,200

Finance available £600 pm

2L
50.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£20,699

Finance available £440 pm

2L
16.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

£26,995

Finance available £569 pm

2L
42.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Essex Car Company

01708973745 *

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£26,495

Finance available £524 pm

2L
59.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Ashford Orbital Kia

01233223702 *

BMW X32020 (70) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£28,990

2L
33.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

BMW X32013 - XDRIVE20d M SPORT 5-Door

£6,499

2L
131.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

M&G Motors

01782940072 *

BMW X32008 (08) - 2.0d M Sport 5dr [177] SPARES OR REPAIR

£1,295

2L
192.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Craven Cars Limited

01279219583 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£38,898

2L
15.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (63) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£7,995

2L
109.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Leeon Limited

01493801777 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£27,450

Finance available £543 pm

2L
19.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW X32024 - Xdrive M40D Mht 5Dr Auto

£50,899

3L
18.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Lookers Crewe BMW

01270443380 *

BMW X32006 - 2.0d SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£650

2L
142.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Ashley Jordan Cars

01952953944 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

2L
39.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Easy Carz

01582211012 *

BMW X32022 - X3 xDrive30 M Sport 5-Door

£35,200

Finance available £703 pm

2L
26.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 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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* 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.