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.

882 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X3(62) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£9,450

110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

Windmill Motors Ltd

01778308209 *

BMW X32023 - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£35,500

Finance available £709 pm

2L
32.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£51,950

Finance available £1,047 pm

2L
6.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech Pack]

£28,998

2L
34.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Ayr BYD

01292432784 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X3(21) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£25,795

Finance available £509 pm

76.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Not Supplied

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32012 (62) - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,994

Finance available £134 pm

2L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£14,495

Finance available £302 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hynes Motors

02890023625 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£23,549

Finance available £489 pm

2L
67.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£21,450

Finance available £420 pm

2L
69.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£31,949

Finance available £677 pm

2L
38.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Maidstone

01622291202 *

BMW X32019 (69) - 3.0i M Competition SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (510 ps)

Reduced

£38,995

Finance available £781 pm

3L
42.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

CC Cars Ltd

01618048227 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (16) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,975

Finance available £357 pm

2L
47.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Trade Car Sales

01616720265 *

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

Reduced

£11,850

Finance available £242 pm

2L
64.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Elect Automotive Ltd

01525308849 *

BMW X32013 (63) - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,949

Finance available £111 pm

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

M Cars Surrey Ltd

01342649540 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

01633631006 *

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

Reduced

£2,895

2L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW X32022 - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£34,995

Finance available £586 pm

2L
20.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Norman Motors Poole

01202076853 *

4.9/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
63.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Cars4You Ltd Falkirk

01324465357 *

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

Low Mileage

£27,999

Finance available £591 pm

2L
37.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£26,850

Finance available £531 pm

2L
58.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

drivedirect Leicester

01164646061 *

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