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.

898 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32023 (23) - X3 xDrive30 M Sport 5-Door

£40,800

2L
19.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£30,995

Finance available £616 pm

2L
30.6K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

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 X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh SE SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (29

£16,500

Finance available £346 pm

2L
117.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Boundary Sports and Prestige Cars Ltd

01522459166 *

BMW X32006 (06) - 2.0d Sport 5dr

Reduced

£5,999

Finance available £112 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Hexham Classic Cars Ltd

07521421049 *

BMW X32020 - 3.0 X3 M40i Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£37,330

Finance available £746 pm

3L
14.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Ryds Group Ltd

02038704048 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£21,389

Finance available £419 pm

2L
78.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Used Cars Uk

01992667030 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32023 (73) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto Estate

Low Mileage

£40,466

2L
3.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Yeovil

01935311780 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£30,341

2L
25.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW X32011 (11) - 2.0 20d SE xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,999

Finance available £67 pm

2L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Karhouse

01494291900 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£27,498

2L
30.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Dumfries

01387340091 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (70) - 3.0 M40i SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (360 ps)-Factory Extras Wo

£34,250

Finance available £683 pm

3L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Rix Motors

01925917564 *

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

Reduced

£20,480

Finance available £400 pm

3L
71.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Fort Southwick Internet Cars

02392004448 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,330

Finance available £356 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£43,276

2L
6.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£20,000

Finance available £390 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Browns Car Company

01621733495 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 (24) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£44,300

Finance available £890 pm

2L
8.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

BMW X32022 (22) - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£28,700

Finance available £558 pm

2L
55.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

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

Reduced

£23,490

Finance available £462 pm

2L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Amanah Prestige Limited

02038235352 *

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)

£25,000

Finance available £477 pm

2L
59.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

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

Cons

Engines and transmissions

Practicality

Safety

Technology

Shop by Trim

Shop by Body Style

Shop by Engine Size

Shop by Fuel Type

Shop by Transmission

Shop by Colour

Shop by Registration Year

Shop by Drivetrain

Third Generation (2017 to 2024)

Second Generation (2010 to 2017)

Which is the most popular engine in the BMW X3?

Which are the most popular trim levels?

What optional extras should I look out for?

Is the BMW X3 a good family car?

Is there a hybrid version of the BMW X3?

Is the BMW X3 available as an automatic?

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

898 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32023 (23) - X3 xDrive30 M Sport 5-Door

BMW X32021 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

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

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh SE SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (29

BMW X32006 (06) - 2.0d Sport 5dr

BMW X32020 - 3.0 X3 M40i Auto 4WD 5dr

BMW X32020 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

BMW X32023 (73) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto Estate

BMW X32020 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

BMW X32011 (11) - 2.0 20d SE xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

BMW X32020 (70) - 3.0 M40i SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (360 ps)-Factory Extras Wo

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

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

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

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

BMW X32024 (24) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

BMW X32022 (22) - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

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

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

Why buy a used BMW X3?

Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Pros

Cons

BMW X3 video review

Used BMW X3 buying guide

Engines and transmissions

Practicality

Safety

Technology

Search used BMW X3 by type

Find a specific BMW X3

Shop by Trim

Shop by Body Style

Shop by Engine Size

Shop by Fuel Type

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Shop by Colour

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Shop by Drivetrain

Different generations of used BMW X3

Third Generation (2017 to 2024)

Second Generation (2010 to 2017)

Used BMW X3 FAQ's

Which is the most popular engine in the BMW X3?

Which are the most popular trim levels?

What optional extras should I look out for?

Is the BMW X3 a good family car?

Is there a hybrid version of the BMW X3?

Is the BMW X3 available as an automatic?

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for