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.

920 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£13,999

Finance available £290 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AB Car Sales (South West) Ltd

01822661594 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£27,803

2L
44.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

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

Low Mileage

£19,990

Finance available £390 pm

2L
30.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

AJ Motors

01422412382 *

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

£24,490

Finance available £483 pm

3L
64.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Spa Motor Hereford

01432802169 *

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

£23,848

Finance available £480 pm

2L
55.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Halesowen

01217525895 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£27,995

Finance available £555 pm

2L
52.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32014 (63) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£8,295

2L
101.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Signature Motor Sales

01274059708 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£27,995

Finance available £555 pm

2L
54.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

O'Loughlin Brothers

02879440950 *

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

Low Mileage

£11,390

2L
86.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

GD Motors

03030037968 *

BMW X32021 (71) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£32,990

Finance available £657 pm

2L
43.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Amanah Prestige Limited

02038235352 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - 20d MHT M Sport 5-Door

£26,990

Finance available £534 pm

2L
33.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Whitley Bay Motors LTD

01916075847 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£27,021

2L
45.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW X32020 - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£26,212

2L
48.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Wrexham Volkswagen

01978800738 *

4.9/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cars to Go

01202099943 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£32,898

2L
33.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Dumfries BMW/MINI

01387340162 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£12,299

2L
61.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Quality Cars Hub Ltd

02037636622 *

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

£21,495

Finance available £421 pm

3L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£30,722

2L
16.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall Volkswagen Reading

01189077016 *

BMW X32014 (14) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,800

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (68) - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£25,490

Finance available £503 pm

3L
48.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AUTOTECHNIK (LEICESTER) LIMITED

01455244662 *

0/5 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

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

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.

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