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.

839 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32013 (13) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£9,390

Finance available £187 pm

2L
83.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Junction 21 Motors

01934312906 *

BMW X32021 (21) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£30,422

2L
18.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - 3.0 M40i MHT Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£41,995

Finance available £842 pm

3L
32.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Zanouchi Group Limited

01204939533 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£22,950

Finance available £451 pm

2L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

A1 Autos

02890023133 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£49,295

2L
7.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d XLine Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£21,995

Finance available £431 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Richlee Motor Company Rayleigh

01268219714 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£27,399

Finance available £590 pm

2L
43.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - 210kW Premier Edition Pro 80kWh 5dr Auto

£23,395

Finance available £521 pm

48.6K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Valley Trade centre

01494312062 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£27,379

Finance available £572 pm

2L
49.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£20,895

Finance available £409 pm

2L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SNG MOTORS

02890026877 *

BMW X32013 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

£8,000

Finance available £156 pm

2L
108.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Wootton Motor Company

01553602430 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32014 - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
129.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

ARC Car Sales

01924908897 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£21,495

2L
39.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Perrys Sittingbourne Vauxhall

01795502656 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (70) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

£24,750

Finance available £488 pm

2L
52.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Cartime Rochdale

01615298277 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (7S) - 2.0 20i GPF xLine SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£22,999

2L
20.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£27,995

Finance available £555 pm

2L
43.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Donnelly Mallusk Motorstore

02895908087 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

£39,898

3L
23.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£34,995

Finance available £698 pm

2L
27.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

All Cars Group Ta ACG Motors

01613887664 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£26,700

Finance available £477 pm

2L
37.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

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

lite-youtube[videoid='JNysqBA8wNg']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/JNysqBA8wNg/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='JNysqBA8wNg']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

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