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.

974 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 - Xdrive20D Mht M Sport 5Dr Step Auto

£26,785

2L
62.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Lookers Crewe BMW

01270443380 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech Pack] - AUTO PARK - LED - REVERSE CAM

Low Mileage

£27,414

Finance available £554 pm

2L
28.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Gloucester

01452227227 *

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

£47,984

2L
8.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (66) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£15,290

Finance available £319 pm

2L
73.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Empire Cars Bedford

01234237238 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£13,985

Finance available £290 pm

2L
78.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Donnelly & Taggart Motorstore Derry/Londonderry

02871221721 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£47,150

Finance available £948 pm

2L
9.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£20,725

Finance available £405 pm

3L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh xLine SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s)

£19,490

2L
89.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Fish For Motors Ltd

01204939523 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

£43,498

2L
16.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Preston)

01772957336 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£23,490

2L
60.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Pure Cars

01924667281 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive M40i 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£29,949

Finance available £634 pm

3L
39.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Swansea

01792001617 *

BMW X32021 - 3.0 M40d MHT SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

100

Low Mileage

£36,990

Finance available £739 pm

3L
28.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Redgate Lodge

01916077194 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£28,498

2L
26.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Birtley Motorstore / MG / Vanstore

01916070584 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£41,153

2L
5.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£21,999

Finance available £431 pm

2L
69.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - 3.0 M40i GPF SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (354 ps)

£25,995

Finance available £513 pm

3L
81.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Tenby Car Supermarket

01582280726 *

BMW X32022 - X3 xDrive30 M Sport 5-Door

£35,200

Finance available £703 pm

2L
26.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32004 (54) - 2004 2.5i Sport 5dr SILVER FULL LEATHER SERVICE HISTORY PAN ROOF

Low Mileage

£2,299

2.5L
86.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
SUV

GT Sports & 4x4

01274059833 *

BMW X32014 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£9,995

2L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

J C Motors

02890023666 *

BMW X32017 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£15,394

Finance available £322 pm

2L
61.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Perrys Preston MG

01772289213 *

4.6/5 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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