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.

855 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32014 (14) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£9,890

Finance available £199 pm

2L
93.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Town Autos

01234987579 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£42,995

Finance available £863 pm

2L
6.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32017 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£17,499

2L
46.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Tustain Motors Ashington

01670332551 *

BMW X32013 (62) - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,999

Finance available £112 pm

2L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AUTO ATLAS LIMITED

01525307127 *

BMW X32021 (70) - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£25,495

2L
32.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

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

£6,075

Finance available £113 pm

2L
113.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Trade Car Sales

01616720265 *

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
73.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£22,925

Finance available £450 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW X32016 (66) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

£15,300

Finance available £320 pm

3L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hammond Cars Norwich

01603937224 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£28,995

Finance available £575 pm

2L
33.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Moy Auto Services

02887448024 *

BMW X32016 (66) - 3.0 35d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (313 ps)

Low Mileage

£15,949

Finance available £314 pm

3L
64.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£48,195

2L
12.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW X32012 - 2.0 20d M Sport Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,450

Finance available £233 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AQS CAR SPECIALISTS

01733306260 *

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

Reduced

£6,795

Finance available £129 pm

3L
142.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Noahs Automotive LTD

02476936621 *

BMW X32022 (71) - 2.0 30e 12kWh xLine SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s)

Reduced

£26,500

Finance available £466 pm

2L
46.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

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

Low Mileage

£12,299

Finance available £252 pm

2L
61.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Quality Cars Hub Ltd

02037636622 *

BMW X32014 (64) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,885

Finance available £154 pm

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hampton Motorgroup

01216618720 *

BMW X32020 (20) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£22,791

2L
81.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (17) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
64.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Southcott Specialist Cars

01579550846 *

BMW X32022 (72) - XDRIVE30D 3.0 MHT M SPORT 5-Door

Reduced

£40,495

Finance available £811 pm

3L
28.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Bespoke Motor Works Ltd

01642937532 *

4.9/5 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