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.

843 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

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

£18,600

Finance available £362 pm

2L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW X32019 (19) - 3.0 M40d Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£29,489

3L
61.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Yorkshire Vehicle Solutions Ltd

01423396105 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (63) - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£7,250

3L
112.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

East Kent Car Sales

01795502170 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (16) - 2.0 20d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

RSK CARS LIMITED

01902240171 *

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£24,991

2L
79.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,200

Finance available £250 pm

2L
64.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Elect Automotive Ltd

01525308849 *

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive M40i 5dr Auto

£37,975

Finance available £760 pm

3L
38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Sandwell Car Sales

01215160845 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

£20,699

Finance available £427 pm

2L
68.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£13,400

Finance available £277 pm

2L
60.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Hammond Cars Norwich

01603937224 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e SE 5dr Auto

£28,995

Finance available £575 pm

2L
33.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32013 - XDRIVE 20D SE 5-Door

£8,490

Finance available £167 pm

2L
106.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Roydens Ltd

01795503963 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,999

Finance available £520 pm

2L
21.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£26,949

Finance available £533 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (16) - 3.0 30d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

Reduced

£12,996

Finance available £290 pm

3L
90.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Staverton Garage Limited

01327221580 *

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 X32019 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

2L
51.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Newburgh Motors

01334800691 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£26,895

Finance available £532 pm

2L
32.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Gormley Car Sales Ltd

02890023627 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£31,600

Finance available £581 pm

2L
22.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

BMW X32020 - 3.0 X3 M40i Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£37,290

Finance available £746 pm

3L
14.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Ryds Group Ltd

02038704048 *

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