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.

949 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32022 (72) - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Estate

£37,255

2L
22.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£35,995

Finance available £611 pm

2L
25.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Norman Motors Bournemouth

01202133536 *

4.9/5 Stars

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

£49,998

2L
8.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (67) - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

£13,750

Finance available £285 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Auto2000 Prestige Cars

02037808184 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech-Plus Pack]

Low Mileage

£29,299

Finance available £619 pm

2L
22.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Castleford

01977800692 *

BMW X32018 (68) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£26,400

2L
39.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£36,799

2L
16.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Leeds

01134676295 *

BMW X32014 (63) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,490

Finance available £257 pm

3L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carrera Specialist Cars

01414049939 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£34,898

2L
35.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive X3 M Competition 5dr Step Auto

£51,995

Finance available £1,048 pm

3L
48.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£50,995

Finance available £1,027 pm

2L
1.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,990

Finance available £349 pm

2L
83.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

TMMC The Manchester Motor Company Ltd

01204324191 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (67) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,800

3L
64.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

JC Select Stirling

01786232660 *

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh SE SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (29

£20,799

2L
69.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

HPL Motors Oldham

01612416881 *

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

Low Mileage

£24,377

Finance available £480 pm

2L
35.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Your Best Car Ltd

01580232496 *

BMW X32014 (64) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
112.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Cars4You Ltd (Straiton)

01665660510 *

4.2/5 Stars

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 X32017 (17) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

IMV Motors Ltd

01217525794 *

BMW X32017 - 20d xLine 5-Door

£14,495

Finance available £302 pm

2L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Phoenix Car Centre

01962670197 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive M40d MHT 5dr Auto

£55,995

3L
9.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

3.9/5 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

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.