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 X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£20,990

Finance available £411 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Moyway Motors

02887441322 *

BMW X32015 (65) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

Reduced

£6,999

2L
125.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Boston Car Centre

07470022010 *

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

Low Mileage

£7,990

2L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

David Wren Cars

01635884926 *

BMW X32023 (73) - 3.0 30d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£43,989

3L
17.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Yorkshire Vehicle Solutions Ltd

01423396105 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32017 - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

2L
43.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

DERWENT MOTORS LTD

01332414504 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech Pack] - AUTO PARK - LED - REVERSE CAM

Low Mileage

£27,416

Finance available £554 pm

2L
28.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Gloucester

01452227227 *

BMW X32012 - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Reduced

£6,990

2L
106.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Westbrook Car Sales

01733794312 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (62) - sDrive18d M Sport 5dr

£3,495

2L
151.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

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

Reduced

£14,500

Finance available £302 pm

2L
69.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Taylors Pitstop

01293221182 *

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

Low Mileage

£28,932

Finance available £637 pm

2L
22.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

£19,500

Finance available £380 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW X32019 - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Reduced

£19,490

Finance available £380 pm

2L
30.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

AJ Motors

01422412382 *

BMW X32013 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d SE 5-Door

£4,199

2L
151.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

CARVIEWS LTD

01217288890 *

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

£21,795

Finance available £427 pm

2L
90.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Tenby Car Supermarket

01582280726 *

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

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Dave Fox Car Sales

01785336592 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (67) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£14,250

2L
124.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Beechwood Autos Ltd

01623709945 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£27,990

Finance available £554 pm

3L
45.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carrera Specialist Cars

01414049939 *

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
99.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

SM Motors NI

02827440451 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£24,499

2L
57.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Leeds

01134676295 *

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

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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.

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* 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.