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.

870 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32005 (05) - 2.5i Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£2,495

2.5L
123.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Spurland Motor Company

01494412371 *

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

£6,100

Finance available £114 pm

2L
115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (70) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£26,995

Finance available £534 pm

2L
39.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

East Anglia Car Sales Ltd

01394331718 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£43,843

2L
5.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW X32018 (67) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£19,995

Finance available £399 pm

2L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Eclipse Car Sales Limited

02392006073 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£22,798

2L
42.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Peugeot/SEAT/Cupra/Skoda (Edinburgh)

01312025128 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£6,795

Finance available £129 pm

2L
144.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Noahs Automotive LTD

02476936621 *

BMW X32024 (24) - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto Diesel Estate

£50,188

3L
7.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Durham

01918146639 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (67) - 3.0 30d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

£15,999

Finance available £315 pm

3L
63.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£39,998

2L
14.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy BMW

01592802402 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£31,950

Finance available £636 pm

2L
45.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£41,898

2L
4.4K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20 M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pk]

£53,093

2L
7.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

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

£12,475

Finance available £256 pm

2L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Landmark 4x4

01772285779 *

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

Low Mileage

£27,200

Finance available £486 pm

2L
31.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32009 (09) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Steptronic xDrive Euro 4 (218 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

3L
82.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Ace Prestige Autos

01134878957 *

BMW X32021 - 20d MHT M Sport 5-Door

£27,990

Finance available £554 pm

2L
33.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Whitley Bay Motors LTD

01916075847 *

BMW X32016 (16) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£13,840

Finance available £287 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

DR Motors

01162162407 *

3.8/5 Stars

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 X32015 (65) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

Reduced

£7,599

Finance available £147 pm

2L
125.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Boston Car Centre

07470022010 *

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