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.

940 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

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

£25,649

Finance available £506 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (68) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

£20,999

Finance available £411 pm

3L
83.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32006 (06) - 3.0d M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£2,250

3L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Munich Performance LTD

01280733608 *

BMW X32022 (72) - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£33,500

Finance available £668 pm

2L
26.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Rood End Cars

01217525761 *

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£47,400

Finance available £953 pm

2L
7.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£27,995

Finance available £555 pm

3L
46.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Abbey Autos Glengormley

02890021961 *

BMW X32021 (71) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£32,490

Finance available £647 pm

2L
43.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Amanah Prestige Limited

02038235352 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£37,498

2L
14.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Chesterfield Motorstore / Vanstore

01246381032 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - X3 xDrive20i M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£28,000

2L
30.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£27,495

Finance available £544 pm

2L
45.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Donnelly Ballymena Motorstore

02825447459 *

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£50,999

2L
2.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Leeds

01134676295 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£27,900

Finance available £495 pm

2L
27.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

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

Reduced

£30,995

2L
24.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Sinclair Direct Bridgend

01656339498 *

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£23,195

2L
62.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

BMW X32019 (68) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£24,000

3L
65.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

JC Select Edinburgh

01312877260 *

BMW X32016 (66) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£13,299

2L
92.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Switching Cars Ltd

01942365162 *

BMW X32022 (22) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£32,475

Finance available £646 pm

2L
24.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

The Car Co

01616945324 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32025 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£64,389

Finance available £1,302 pm

2L
250.0
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Hull

01482249158 *

BMW X32020 (20) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£20,687

Finance available £404 pm

2L
93.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

SR Motors

01793268063 *

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

Low Mileage

£21,750

Finance available £426 pm

2L
34.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 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

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

lite-youtube[videoid='JNysqBA8wNg']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/JNysqBA8wNg/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='JNysqBA8wNg']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

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.