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.

885 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

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

£20,200

Finance available £394 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW X32013 - 20d SE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,499

Finance available £168 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

ACE MOTOR VEHICLE LTD

01913001935 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£23,445

Finance available £461 pm

2L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Gormley Car Sales Ltd

02890023627 *

BMW X32019 (68) - 2.0 20i GPF xLine SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)-Factory

Reduced

£20,950

Finance available £410 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Rix Motors

01925917564 *

BMW X32017 (17) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£16,800

Finance available £353 pm

2L
51.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

GS Car Centre Ltd

01772348161 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£32,998

2L
33.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Irvine BMW

01294440528 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32012 - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
77.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Spot On Auto Ltd

01172331356 *

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

Reduced

£25,395

Finance available £501 pm

2L
38.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Wimbledon Carriage Co

02039104722 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£20,725

Finance available £405 pm

3L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£21,990

Finance available £431 pm

2L
34.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£28,300

Finance available £508 pm

2L
26.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e SE 5dr Auto

£22,049

Finance available £456 pm

2L
60.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (12) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

2L
90.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

DandLMotors

01777801470 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - 210kW Premier Edition Pro 80kWh 5dr Auto

£26,314

Finance available £531 pm

38.1K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Shrewsbury

01743292169 *

BMW X32015 (65) - xDrive35d M Sport 5 Dr Step Auto [8]

Reduced

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

3L
46.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Pevensey Bay Car Centre

01323402241 *

3.8/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (71) - X3 xDrive20i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£33,000

2L
21.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32015 (65) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£10,975

Finance available £223 pm

2L
108.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motor Hunt

02476936615 *

3/5 Stars

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

£15,490

Finance available £324 pm

2L
67.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Riverside Volvo Leeds

01138875441 *

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

Low Mileage

£31,990

Finance available £637 pm

2L
15.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

EMAX Automobile Ltd

02475103862 *

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£17,995

2L
103.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Wavertree Car Centre

01513189401 *

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