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.

954 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£26,498

2L
76.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Warrington Motorstore/Renault/Dacia/Vanstore

01925917350 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (18) - 3.0 M40i SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (360 ps)

Reduced

£31,449

Finance available £626 pm

3L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£8,295

2L
96.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Noahs Automotive LTD

02476936621 *

BMW X32019 (19) - 2.0 20i GPF xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£22,400

Finance available £440 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

BNM Auto Ltd

02038730484 *

BMW X32014 (64) - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
108.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

One Stop Motors Dewsbury

01924665170 *

BMW X32019 (19) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£20,595

2L
76.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Wavertree Car Centre

01513189401 *

BMW X32015 (65) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

Reduced

£6,999

2L
125.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Boston Car Centre

07470022010 *

BMW X32004 (54) - 3.0i Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£2,775

3L
100.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Imperial Autos

01494311379 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£23,489

Finance available £462 pm

2L
40.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Direct Cars Limited

01145510336 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (67) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

£21,450

3L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Shop 365 LTD

01274028208 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW X32016 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£13,565

Finance available £281 pm

2L
92.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

DH Specialist Cars Ltd ta Vogue Auto Group

01623703388 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£29,995

Finance available £596 pm

2L
40.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Comiskey Motors

02830447308 *

BMW X3(68) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£21,900

63.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

JC Select Edinburgh

01312877260 *

BMW X32023 (73) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£42,800

2L
9.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pk] Diesel Estate

£47,516

2L
8.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

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

£5,900

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

BMW X32019 (19) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

£21,700

3L
71.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

4/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£33,895

Finance available £676 pm

2L
55.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Greg Mitchell Motors

02881440365 *

BMW X32012 (12) - 35I M SPORT 3.0 AUTO xDRIVE EURO 5 SUV 5-Door

Low Mileage

£16,000

3L
30.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

KLAW MOTORS

02039537452 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (72) - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

Reduced

£32,500

Finance available £647 pm

2L
26.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Rood End Cars

01217525761 *

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.

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.