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 X32024 (74) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto Estate

£44,974

2L
6.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive M40i 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£29,182

3L
44.6K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall Jaguar Lincoln

01522458030 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£47,995

Finance available £965 pm

2L
7.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

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

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£13,450

Finance available £278 pm

2L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Pro Motor Salvage

01156977774 *

BMW X32012 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d SE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

M & L CAR SALES LIMITED

01733666831 *

0/5 Stars

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

£22,990

2L
53.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Oldham Volkswagen

01614139803 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 (24) - 2.0 30e 12kWh xLine SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s)

£35,500

Finance available £624 pm

2L
9.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

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 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 X32019 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Brown Cars

02890023186 *

BMW X32013 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£10,750

Finance available £218 pm

2L
76.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Rudi Gage Car Sales

02827440452 *

BMW X32016 (65) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,695

Finance available £217 pm

2L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Argentarii Cars

01452227270 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (63) - 2.0 18d SE Auto sDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,900

Finance available £109 pm

2L
117.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SMS Motors

01144786434 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£29,498

2L
40.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Volkswagen (Stirling)

01786232264 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£8,390

Finance available £165 pm

2L
97.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SR Motors

01793268063 *

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

£8,995

2L
86.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

£26,500

Finance available £466 pm

2L
48.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

BMW X32018 (68) - X3 xDrive20i xLine 5-Door

Low Mileage

£21,995

2L
38.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stoneacre Newcastle Lexus

01916076197 *

BMW X32024 (74) - X3 20 xDrive M Sport 5-Door

£54,839

2L
4.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Stephen James Blackheath BMW

02037634737 *

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