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.

872 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

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

Reduced

£2,895

2L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW X32019 (68) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£24,499

Finance available £525 pm

3L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

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 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 X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£27,491

2L
72.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32013 - XDRIVE 20D SE 5-Door

£8,490

Finance available £167 pm

2L
106.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Roydens Ltd

01795503963 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£35,630

2L
25.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

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

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

3L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Southend Auto Sales Ltd

01702908029 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pk]

Low Mileage

£46,685

2L
5.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

BMW X32012 - XDRIVE20d M SPORT 5-Door

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stockwood Village Automotive

01174400893 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (19) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£26,700

Finance available £528 pm

3L
43.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Whitethor Cars

01530443588 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X3xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£12,990

Finance available £268 pm

37.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Oakley Specialist Cars

01435510392 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£25,995

Finance available £513 pm

2L
62.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

3L
45.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Crawford Clarke Cars

02890022258 *

BMW X32013 (63) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
109.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Leeon Limited

01493801777 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£24,700

Finance available £487 pm

2L
86.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW X32011 (11) - 2.0 20d M Sport Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,999

Finance available £134 pm

2L
91.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Wainman Motors

01733902676 *

BMW X32025 (12) - 35I M SPORT 3.0 AUTO xDRIVE EURO 5 SUV

Low Mileage

£16,000

Finance available £335 pm

3L
30.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

KLAW MOTORS

02039537452 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (67) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£14,700

Finance available £306 pm

2L
124.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Beechwood Autos Ltd

01623709945 *

2.5/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£52,015

2L
4.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

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

* 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.

Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Pros