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.

865 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£20,925

Finance available £409 pm

3L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£46,850

2L
3.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£20,799

Finance available £429 pm

2L
75.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

£37,990

3L
34.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

BMW X32011 - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Ap Trading Leicester Ltd T/a AP Vehicle Trading

01162165650 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

3L
45.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Crawford Clarke Cars

02890022258 *

BMW X32011 (61) - 2.0 20d M Sport xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,999

Finance available £89 pm

2L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Karhouse

01494291900 *

BMW X32022 (71) - 2.0 30e 12kWh xLine SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s)

£26,700

Finance available £471 pm

2L
46.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32024 (24) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£40,747

2L
7.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Stephen James Blackheath BMW

02037634737 *

BMW X32019 - 3.0 X3 M40D Auto 4WD 5dr

Reduced

£30,989

37.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Essex Prestige Autos Ltd

01279967337 *

BMW X32019 (19) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

2L
36.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Tangelo Used Cars Exeter

01394331922 *

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

Low Mileage

£25,695

Finance available £507 pm

3L
51.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32023 (23) - X3 xDrive20i M Sport 5-Door

£37,616

2L
20.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Stephen James BMW Woolwich

02038928053 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£29,750

Finance available £591 pm

2L
39.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

David Hayton Ltd (Mazda Carlisle)

01228273252 *

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

£11,064

Finance available £225 pm

2L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Dave Fox Car Sales

01785336592 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32015 - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£11,745

Finance available £240 pm

2L
76.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Cameron Cars

02890023192 *

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

£6,690

Finance available £127 pm

2L
147.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

H N S Motors

01274059857 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£26,498

2L
34.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Ayr Kia

01292434388 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (68) - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£12,990

Finance available £268 pm

2L
37.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Oakley Specialist Cars

01435510392 *

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£24,949

Finance available £492 pm

2L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

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

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