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.

883 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£28,450

Finance available £564 pm

2L
55.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Car Sales NI Ltd

02882440438 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£26,923

3L
34.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

BMW X32014 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d SE Auto 4WD 5dr

£8,500

2L
97.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vortex Cars Limited

01614700153 *

BMW X32022 - 3.0 M40i MHT Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£39,590

Finance available £857 pm

3L
42.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Motor Match Crewe

01270441019 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - 3.0i Competition SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (510 ps)

Low Mileage

£44,990

Finance available £904 pm

3L
34.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

James Paul Car Sales Ltd

01403331244 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive M40i 5dr Step Auto

£28,420

Finance available £613 pm

3L
59.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32012 (62) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
121.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

AURA CAR SALES LTD

01709212053 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£21,990

Finance available £431 pm

2L
54.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Saltmarine Used Car Centre

02887441419 *

BMW X32005 (55) - 3.0i Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£1,499

3L
139.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Cheap Cars and Vans

02039475176 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32016 - 3.0 X3 xDrive35d M Sport 5-Door

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

3L
83.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Lakeside Cars South West Ltd

01934313934 *

BMW X32011 (11) - xDrive 20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto TOP SPEC

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
136.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

Low Mileage

£30,700

Finance available £545 pm

2L
20.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

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

Reduced

£14,800

Finance available £308 pm

2L
69.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Taylors Pitstop

01293221182 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£40,898

2L
10.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Bristol

01416118398 *

4.7/5 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 X32022 (22) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£38,195

Finance available £764 pm

2L
27.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Bhakar Watts Cars

02921675239 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£27,995

Finance available £555 pm

2L
43.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Donnelly Mallusk Motorstore

02895908087 *

BMW X32013 (63) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£7,690

Finance available £149 pm

2L
116.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

James Bush Cars

01652241116 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£14,500

Finance available £302 pm

2L
124.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Beechwood Autos Ltd

01623709945 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

£12,740

Finance available £262 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

DR Motors

01162162407 *

4.3/5 Stars

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