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.

972 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£29,895

Finance available £672 pm

2L
32.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

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

£41,395

Finance available £830 pm

3L
33.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Zanouchi Group Limited

01204939533 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32007 (07) - 2.0d M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,995

2L
113.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW X32017 (17) - 3.0 30d SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,150

Finance available £361 pm

3L
51.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

BMW X32009 (59) - xDrive20d Limited Sport Edition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£5,250

2L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Leisure Car Shop Ltd

01245204842 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£29,549

Finance available £625 pm

2L
20.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Portsmouth

02382146197 *

BMW X32019 - 3.0 M40d SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps)

£23,290

Finance available £508 pm

3L
85.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

£11,295

2L
88.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

The World of Cars

02475105174 *

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

Reduced

£4,500

2L
187.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Multi Choice Cars

02038934220 *

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

£21,500

Finance available £458 pm

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

£16,990

Finance available £357 pm

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Niche Motor Company

01274028316 *

BMW X32011 - 3.0 X3 xDrive 30d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,995

3L
36.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Grays of Holbeach

01406430115 *

BMW X32016 - xDrive35d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£18,699

Finance available £395 pm

3L
50.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£31,000

2L
20.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,989

Finance available £335 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorhub

01535281058 *

BMW X32020 (20) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£27,999

2L
37.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive M40d MHT 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£54,499

Finance available £1,099 pm

3L
6.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Doncaster

01302203473 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,750

Finance available £488 pm

2L
49.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£23,950

Finance available £471 pm

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

MJ Prestige LTD

02890024611 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)-Factory Ex

£25,705

Finance available £508 pm

3L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Rix Motors

01925917564 *

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

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.