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.

837 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

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 X32020 (20) - 3.0 M40i GPF Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£24,495

Finance available £483 pm

3L
97.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

RSK CARS LIMITED

01902240171 *

BMW X32011 (61) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto F.S.H 2 KEYS MINT CONDITION

Reduced

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Valley Trade centre

01494312062 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (13) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Manor Cars

01752427493 *

BMW X32012 (12) - 3.0 30d M Sport Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£7,895

Finance available £154 pm

3L
113.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Autohub Northampton

01604343474 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - 3.0 X3 M40D Auto 4WD 5dr

Reduced

£30,989

37.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Essex Prestige Autos Ltd

01279967337 *

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

Low Mileage

£12,000

Finance available £246 pm

2L
64.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Elect Automotive Ltd

01525308849 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 3.0 30d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£39,500

3L
13.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

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

£26,451

2L
58.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£11,975

Finance available £245 pm

2L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Landmark 4x4

01772285779 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£20,498

2L
86.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy BMW

01592802402 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive M40d 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£31,450

3L
35.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (13) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,390

Finance available £187 pm

2L
83.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Junction 21 Motors

01934312906 *

BMW X32018 (18) - 3.0 30d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Reduced

£20,980

Finance available £410 pm

3L
71.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Fort Southwick Internet Cars

02392004448 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - 20d MHT M Sport 5-Door

£26,990

Finance available £534 pm

2L
33.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Whitley Bay Motors LTD

01916075847 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£32,498

2L
23.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Exeter

01414839930 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

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

£20,500

Finance available £436 pm

2L
57.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

BMW X32012 (12) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr

Reduced

£5,750

Finance available £106 pm

2L
115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

MC Cars Waterlooville Ltd

02392004483 *

BMW X32019 (69) - 3.0 M40d Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£21,789

Finance available £427 pm

3L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Manor Farm Cars Ltd

01217525777 *

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