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.

945 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32020 (70) - 3.0 M40i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£26,991

3L
88.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32015 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

£12,000

Finance available £246 pm

2L
106.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

McKeever Motors

02877440071 *

BMW X32023 (23) - xDrive M40d MHT 5dr Auto Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£52,387

3L
4.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Durham

01918146639 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£48,995

Finance available £986 pm

2L
8.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32014 (14) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

£8,995

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

BLOFIELD MC

01603931807 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£42,496

Finance available £852 pm

2L
6.3K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Hull

01482249158 *

BMW X32021 - Xdrive30E Se 5-Door

£21,220

Finance available £452 pm

2L
59.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32013 (62) - sDrive18d M Sport 5dr

£3,495

2L
151.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£36,451

2L
22.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£21,749

Finance available £426 pm

2L
61.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Top Gear NI

02879440940 *

BMW X32022 - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£34,995

Finance available £587 pm

2L
25.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Norman Motors Bournemouth

01202133536 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh xLine SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s)

£23,200

Finance available £486 pm

2L
59.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£13,985

Finance available £290 pm

2L
78.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Donnelly & Taggart Motorstore Derry/Londonderry

02871221721 *

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 X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£22,240

Finance available £446 pm

2L
50.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Bridgend Ford

01656336637 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£32,898

2L
38.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Dumfries BMW/MINI

01387340162 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32013 - XDRIVE35D M SPORT (ELECTRIC PAN ROOF) 5-Door

Reduced

£11,493

3L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

cjs autos ltd

01454803082 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£16,749

Finance available £352 pm

2L
29.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Prime Motors

01279219599 *

4.4/5 Stars

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 X32007 (57) - 3.0sd M Sport Step Auto 5-Door

Reduced

£3,495

3L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Spurland Motor Company

01494412371 *

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

lite-youtube[videoid='JNysqBA8wNg']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/JNysqBA8wNg/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='JNysqBA8wNg']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

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.