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.

855 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32023 (61) - xDrive35i M Sport 3.0i Automatic

Low Mileage

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

3L
72.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Oakley Specialist Cars

01435510392 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£26,558

3L
34.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

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

£14,295

Finance available £297 pm

2L
93.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Oaktree Motor Company Wales Ltd

01633499057 *

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

£23,804

Finance available £479 pm

2L
63.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Mountsorrel

01162165589 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - Xdrive30E M Sport 5-Door

£24,920

Finance available £534 pm

2L
46.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e SE 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£28,000

2L
15.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Motorparks Canterbury

01227203463 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£37,498

2L
14.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Chesterfield Motorstore / Vanstore

01246381032 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£21,750

Finance available £426 pm

2L
82.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Gormley Car Sales Ltd

02890023627 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 3.0 30d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£39,500

3L
13.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32015 (65) - xDrive35d M Sport 5 Dr Step Auto [8]

Reduced

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

3L
46.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Pevensey Bay Car Centre

01323402241 *

3.8/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (15) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£10,695

Finance available £217 pm

2L
99.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

BM Automotive

01752427499 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32008 (08) - 2.0d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£3,750

Finance available £61 pm

2L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

WIGAN VEHICLE SOLUTIONS LIMITED

01942918522 *

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

Reduced

£25,395

Finance available £501 pm

2L
38.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Wimbledon Carriage Co

02039104722 *

BMW X32017 (17) - 30d M-SPORT X-DRIVE AUTOMATIC EURO 6 5-Door

Reduced

£14,999

Finance available £313 pm

3L
81.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Essex 4x4 Centre

01277286670 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32017 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£21,099

Finance available £449 pm

2L
49.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£36,514

2L
17.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - 3.0 M40i MHT SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (360 ps) Automa

Low Mileage

£52,000

3L
5.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Dinnages Ford Brighton

01273027649 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - 3.0 X3 M Competition 5-Door

Low Mileage

£51,991

Finance available £1,048 pm

3L
13.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

MB Motor Group

01133236318 *

BMW X32006 (06) - 2.0d Sport 5dr

Reduced

£5,999

Finance available £112 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Hexham Classic Cars Ltd

07521421049 *

BMW X32019 (68) - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£26,394

3L
42.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

South Hereford Volkswagen Hereford

01432809890 *

4.7/5 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