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.

836 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£26,498

2L
34.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Ayr Kia

01292434388 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£25,750

30.9K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32023 (61) - xDrive35i M Sport 3.0i Automatic

Low Mileage

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

3L
72.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Oakley Specialist Cars

01435510392 *

BMW X32013 (13) - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,995

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hillington Motor Co Ltd

01414735693 *

BMW X32011 - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Ap Trading Leicester Ltd T/a AP Vehicle Trading

01162165650 *

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

£21,495

2L
67.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

TheCarHouse.co.uk

01482249182 *

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

£28,995

Finance available £575 pm

2L
48.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32021 - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

£28,350

Finance available £562 pm

2L
58.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

drivedirect Leicester

01164646061 *

BMW X32020 (20) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£20,984

Finance available £411 pm

2L
81.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

TVS Cars Ltd

01746330685 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (19) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£23,990

Finance available £472 pm

2L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Amanah Prestige Limited

02038235352 *

3.1/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (17) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£12,495

Finance available £241 pm

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Birchwood Motor Centre

01708932573 *

BMW X32012 (62) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,700

Finance available £150 pm

2L
85.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£27,699

Finance available £578 pm

2L
49.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

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 X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech Pack]

Low Mileage

£27,249

Finance available £575 pm

2L
37.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Glasgow

01412601249 *

BMW X32014 (14) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

£5,900

Finance available £109 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

BMW X32012 - 20d SE 5-Door

£6,495

Finance available £123 pm

2L
124.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Bradley Performance

01299663994 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (63) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£4,795

Finance available £85 pm

2L
152.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marsh Lane Car Sales and Repairs Ltd

01952984345 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£23,599

Finance available £495 pm

2L
25.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Norwich

01332419206 *

BMW X32019 (19) - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£24,490

2L
74.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Phantom Motor Company

01942365271 *

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