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 X32013 - 20d SE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

ACE MOTOR VEHICLE LTD

01913001935 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (66) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£9,495

Finance available £190 pm

2L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Kelham Street Cars Ltd

01302243873 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£27,507

2L
41.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW X32013 - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,488

Finance available £234 pm

3L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

UP PRESTIGE LTD

01746331186 *

BMW X32019 (68) - 2.0 20i GPF xLine SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)-Factory

Reduced

£20,950

Finance available £410 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Rix Motors

01925917564 *

BMW X32012 (12) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto TOP SPEC

£5,295

Finance available £96 pm

2L
142.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

BMW X32011 (61) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto F.S.H 2 KEYS MINT CONDITION

£6,895

Finance available £132 pm

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Valley Trade centre

01494311305 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (16) - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£13,000

Finance available £268 pm

3L
54.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

COVENTRY CAR SALES LTD

02475185457 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£46,898

2L
10.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32014 (64) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
112.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

BMW X32022 (72) - XDRIVE30D 3.0 MHT M SPORT 5-Door

£40,995

Finance available £822 pm

3L
28.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Bespoke Motor Works Ltd

01642937532 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (70) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£24,800

Finance available £447 pm

2L
55.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32011 - 2.0 20d SE Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,495

2L
93.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (71) - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

Reduced

£21,295

Finance available £417 pm

2L
100.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Worksop

01455241730 *

BMW X32017 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto Automatic

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
85.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

D M Keith Select Bradford

01274089129 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£21,704

Finance available £425 pm

2L
47.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car City UK Catterick

01748900779 *

3.9/5 Stars

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

£22,995

3L
68.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stoneacre Lincoln Kia

01522459163 *

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

Low Mileage

£9,495

2L
68.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£24,399

Finance available £507 pm

2L
45.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch

01182078522 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

NE cars ltd

01918142378 *

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