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.

835 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£26,427

Finance available £522 pm

2L
33.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Strada Cars

01642262600 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£47,500

2L
6.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£30,998

2L
37.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Bristol

01416118398 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (13) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (258 ps)

£7,500

3L
128.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Riverside Car Sales Ltd

01283241530 *

3.5/5 Stars

BMW X32015 - 2.0 20d SE xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,995

2L
86.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£26,995

Finance available £534 pm

2L
43.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32010 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£3,499

Finance available £56 pm

2L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Chester Motor Company

01207262648 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (17) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

Reduced

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

3L
112.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cars 4 You Ltd

01506376842 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£41,500

Finance available £832 pm

2L
7.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£23,750

Finance available £467 pm

2L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

A1 Autos

02890023133 *

BMW X32020 (70) - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£25,795

Finance available £509 pm

2L
32.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Worksop

01455241730 *

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£16,195

2L
143.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Stoke

01782432972 *

BMW X32019 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,700

Finance available £364 pm

2L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW X32020 (70) - 2.0 20i GPF SE SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£23,999

2L
35.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

HPL Motors Stockport

01615298284 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,990

2L
41.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (67) - 3.0 30d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

£15,999

Finance available £315 pm

3L
63.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20i SE 5dr Step Auto

£18,550

2L
65.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Peoples Ford Bootle

01513175347 *

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

£26,455

Finance available £523 pm

2L
56.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

SR Motors

01793268063 *

BMW X32012 (62) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
63.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

GMC 2000

01134680586 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£35,201

2L
20.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

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