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.

849 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32005 (05) - 2.5i Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£2,495

2.5L
123.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Spurland Motor Company

01494412371 *

BMW X32013 (13) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£8,190

Finance available £161 pm

2L
98.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Town Autos

01234987579 *

BMW X32017 (67) - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d XLine Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,695

2L
51.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Liberty Green Cars

01329559706 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - 3.0 X3 xDrive 30d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£19,889

Finance available £388 pm

3L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Used Cars Uk

01992667030 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - 3.0i Competition Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£41,495

Finance available £832 pm

3L
32.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

UP PRESTIGE LTD

01746331186 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£17,640

Finance available £342 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

DR Motors

01162162407 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (65) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,450

Finance available £278 pm

3L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Tudor Prestige Ltd

01733797069 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£22,395

Finance available £440 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MCautosales

02879440626 *

BMW X32019 (68) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£21,899

2L
58.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

BMW X32023 (23) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£42,900

Finance available £861 pm

2L
8.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

£20,999

Finance available £411 pm

3L
83.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (13) - 2.0 20d BluePerformance M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (

Low Mileage

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
63.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Cars4You Ltd Falkirk

01324465357 *

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

£10,591

Finance available £214 pm

2L
100.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Bazaar ltd

01143086594 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive20i xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£26,234

2L
31.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall Audi Newbury

01635917224 *

BMW X32017 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£21,650

Finance available £424 pm

3L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

MCT CARS LTD

02890023785 *

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

£18,799

Finance available £366 pm

2L
108.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Rangebrook Limited

01926352097 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£27,991

2L
80.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32013 - 2.0 X3 sDrive18d M Sport 5-Door

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Automotion Vehicle Sales

01752987252 *

5/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£41,130

2L
3.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Yeovil

01935311780 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£32,084

2L
26.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 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

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Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Pros