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.

871 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 - 2.0 20d MHT xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£29,990

Finance available £596 pm

2L
31.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Middlewood Motors

01531806293 *

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

Reduced

£20,984

Finance available £411 pm

2L
81.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

TVS Cars Ltd

01746330685 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32007 (07) - 2.0d M Sport 5dr

Reduced

£2,895

2L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW X32020 (69) - 3.0 M40i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£29,989

3L
55.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Blackstone Motors Ltd

01895542975 *

BMW X32004 (54) - 2.5i SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,400

2.5L
123.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
SUV

Prosper Autos Ltd

01282501861 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£30,998

2L
29.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Exeter

01414839930 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - X3 DIESEL M SPORT AUTOMATIC 5-Door

£21,995

2L
85.2K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
SUV

Fleet Sales (Leicester) Limited

01455245180 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£17,495

2L
96.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Wavertree Car Centre

01513189401 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£28,099

Finance available £605 pm

2L
43.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

£28,850

3L
50.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

JMC Stratford Ltd

01789338314 *

BMW X32023 (61) - xDrive35i M Sport 3.0i Automatic

Low Mileage

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

3L
72.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Oakley Specialist Cars

01435510392 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£26,498

2L
34.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Ayr Kia

01292434388 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£15,750

Finance available £330 pm

2L
75.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

BRM Select Cars Ltd

01724709671 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£20,950

Finance available £410 pm

3L
69.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

S Moore Motors Ltd

02890023136 *

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

Low Mileage

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

2L
32.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motoring Way LTD

01633742355 *

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

£15,989

Finance available £335 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorhub

01535281058 *

BMW X32021 - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£24,592

Finance available £495 pm

2L
63.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Gloucester

01452227227 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£23,495

Finance available £462 pm

2L
61.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Top Gear NI

02879440940 *

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