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.

881 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32023 - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£40,700

Finance available £816 pm

2L
7.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (62) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,850

Finance available £175 pm

2L
97.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Dave Fox Car Sales

01785336592 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (17) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

Reduced

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

3L
112.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cars 4 You Ltd

01506376842 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (16) - xDrive30d SE 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£12,695

Finance available £261 pm

3L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Colebrook and Sons Ltd

01202145724 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£21,990

Finance available £431 pm

2L
54.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Saltmarine Used Car Centre

02887441419 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£41,132

2L
4.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

BMW X32024 (24) - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£46,000

2L
15.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

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

£24,795

Finance available £489 pm

2L
49.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32019 (19) - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£26,555

2L
20.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£2,495

2L
113.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

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

Low Mileage

£30,331

2L
18.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32024 (73) - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£46,232

3L
8.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Yeovil

01935311780 *

0/5 Stars

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

£23,500

Finance available £462 pm

2L
76.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

ARJ MOTORS

01932507141 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£17,249

Finance available £334 pm

2L
29.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Prime Motors

01279219599 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

£24,400

Finance available £432 pm

2L
50.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive M40i 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£35,895

3L
27.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Wolverhampton

01902544572 *

BMW X32019 - Xdrive20D M Sport 5-Door

£22,520

Finance available £481 pm

2L
52.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32012 (6K) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,490

2L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£19,990

Finance available £390 pm

2L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SNG MOTORS

02890026877 *

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 20d MHT SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£21,795

Finance available £455 pm

2L
71.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

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

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Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Pros