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.

882 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X3(68) - 3.0 M40d Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£29,948

54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

Imperials Chelmsford

01245673729 *

BMW X32013 (63) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

£5,690

Finance available £105 pm

2L
101.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Junction 21 Motors

01934312906 *

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

£12,495

Finance available £241 pm

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Birchwood Motor Centre

01708932573 *

BMW X32020 (20) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£26,200

Finance available £476 pm

2L
39.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32023 (CM) - 3.0 30d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (286 ps)

£41,995

Finance available £842 pm

3L
26.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MB Cars

01577330242 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£51,950

Finance available £1,047 pm

2L
6.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£23,499

Finance available £487 pm

2L
37.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£26,357

2L
38.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£36,995

Finance available £739 pm

2L
24.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

O'Loughlin Brothers

02879440950 *

BMW X32016 (16) - XDRIVE35D M SPORT - PANORAMIC SUNROOF -ENHANCED BLUETOOTH 5-Door

£15,495

Finance available £324 pm

3L
78.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

George Kingsley Vehicle Sales

01206580921 *

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 X32023 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

£40,280

2L
18.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£28,999

Finance available £575 pm

3L
42.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

N K Motors Derby

01332414576 *

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 X32019 - 3.0 X3 xDrive 30d XLine Auto 4WD 5dr

£18,000

Finance available £349 pm

3L
101.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

NATIONAL CAR HUB

01922665543 *

BMW X32013 - 3.0 X3 xDrive35d M Sport 5-Door

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

3L
114.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Peak Automotive Limited

01637801278 *

BMW X32016 (16) - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£9,290

Finance available £185 pm

3L
140.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car2Car Ltd

01403331222 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (12) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
135.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

LRS Trade Cars

01206918829 *

BMW X32022 (71) - 210kW Premier Edition Pro 80kWh 5dr Auto Electric Estate

£26,042

40.5K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32004 - 3.0i Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£2,990

3L
119.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Unicorn Automobiles

01795503957 *

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