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.

920 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32013 - XDRIVE 20D SE 5-Door

£7,990

2L
106.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Roydens Ltd

01795503963 *

BMW X32015 (15) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£15,995

2L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Isaac Motors

01792952517 *

BMW X32016 (16) - 20d M-SPORT X-DRIVE 5 DOOR 8-SPEED AUTO 187 BHP (EURO 6)

Low Mileage

£17,490

Finance available £339 pm

2L
50.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Ashington Autodrome

01670336672 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£25,708

2L
34.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BYD Peterborough

01733907064 *

BMW X32022 (72) - X3 M40d 5-Door

£42,039

3L
33.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - 3.0 X3 M40i Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£36,750

Finance available £734 pm

3L
16.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Ryds Group Ltd

02038704048 *

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

Low Mileage

£29,498

2L
18.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - 210kW Premier Edition 80kWh 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£25,595

Finance available £505 pm

18.8K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Worksop

01455241730 *

BMW X32017 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

£14,500

Finance available £302 pm

2L
105.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

SM Motors NI

02827440451 *

BMW X32019 (19) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£21,750

2L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Atlas Autos Ltd

01206987248 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£27,450

Finance available £543 pm

2L
36.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

UCAR

02890026926 *

BMW X32022 (22) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£30,000

2L
48.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£11,999

Finance available £246 pm

2L
85.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Jody Campbell Cars

02870441631 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive M40i 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£33,990

Finance available £678 pm

3L
29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Chesterfield

01246388445 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Pro Pack]

£26,399

Finance available £550 pm

2L
73.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch

01224453394 *

4.2/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£34,999

Finance available £698 pm

2L
15.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Days Motorpark Swansea

01792739768 *

3.8/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£31,898

2L
43.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£35,999

2L
19.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Invicta Doves Horsham

01403338915 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£42,998

2L
20.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Sydenham

01414839958 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (70) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£31,800

Finance available £688 pm

2L
3.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

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

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

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.

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* 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.