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.

874 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32012 (62) - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,399

Finance available £121 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Basford Motors Ltd

01782390953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - X3 DIESEL M SPORT AUTOMATIC 5-Door

£20,000

2L
85.2K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
SUV

Fleet Sales (Leicester) Limited

01455245180 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32023 (73) - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Estate

Low Mileage

£39,461

2L
10.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Vertu SEAT Darlington

01325808020 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32015 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£12,750

Finance available £263 pm

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW X32022 (71) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£33,000

Finance available £601 pm

2L
21.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

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

£14,290

Finance available £297 pm

2L
76.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Auto Clicker Ltd

01260544935 *

BMW X32015 (15) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,500

Finance available £145 pm

2L
153.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Fame Cars Limited

01216474010 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£44,898

2L
11.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£12,499

Finance available £257 pm

2L
85.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Jody Campbell Cars

02870441631 *

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

£9,000

2L
97.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vortex Cars Limited

01614700153 *

BMW X32022 (22) - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£37,900

Finance available £758 pm

3L
27.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£34,998

2L
31.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (West Calder)

01506533740 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 (73) - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£47,133

3L
8.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Yeovil

01935311780 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (67) - xLine xDrive20d Auto - Sat Nav & Rear Camera & Electric Seats & FSH 5-Door

Low Mileage

£20,990

Finance available £411 pm

2L
14.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Crossroads Garage Limited

01909496760 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32014 (14) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£6,795

Finance available £129 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Land Auto West Ltd

01213872434 *

BMW X32013 - 20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,733

Finance available £217 pm

2L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Imperial Motor Company Limited

01732443737 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive M40i MHT 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£57,450

3L
7.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport 5dr Auto xDrive (SAT NAV, FULL LEATHER)

£26,988

2L
45.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pk]

Low Mileage

£46,999

2L
5.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

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 *

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