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.

855 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32009 (59) - xDrive20d Limited Sport Edition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£5,250

Finance available £95 pm

2L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Leisure Car Shop Ltd

01245204842 *

BMW X32016 - xDrive Competition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£15,940

2L
49.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall FordStore Cambridge

01223632572 *

BMW X32010 (60) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
102.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hitchin Motor Sales Ltd

01908953489 *

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

£24,699

Finance available £487 pm

2L
86.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£21,699

2L
52.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch

01513174824 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (17) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Coventry Sterling Motors

02475103850 *

4.9/5 Stars

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

£22,395

Finance available £468 pm

2L
71.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e SE 5dr Auto

£27,995

Finance available £555 pm

2L
33.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32004 (54) - 3.0i Sport Auto 4WD Euro 3 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,980

3L
129.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Vision Motors Direct Ltd

01942367552 *

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

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

2L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Kelham Street Cars Ltd

01302243873 *

BMW X32015 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£15,950

Finance available £334 pm

2L
52.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Richard Greer Car Sales

02890026904 *

BMW X32023 (73) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto Estate

Low Mileage

£41,225

2L
3.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Yeovil

01935311780 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (17) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,149

Finance available £338 pm

2L
58.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Shahz Cars Ltd

01525308852 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£43,998

2L
15.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy BMW

01592802402 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - M40I 5-Door

£31,420

Finance available £680 pm

3L
54.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32018 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d XLine Auto 4WD 5dr

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Quay

01283244020 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (70) - 2.0 30e 12kWh SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,300

Finance available £335 pm

2L
89.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive M40i MHT 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£50,950

Finance available £1,026 pm

3L
8.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

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 X32021 - 210kW Premier Edition 80kWh 5dr Auto

£22,299

Finance available £476 pm

45.9K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

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

* 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