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.

929 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32023 - xDrive M40i MHT 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£50,621

3L
6.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e SE 5dr Auto

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

2L
33.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32015 (65) - 3.0 30d SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

3L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Southend Auto Sales Ltd

01702908029 *

BMW X32019 - 3.0 M40d Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£28,696

Finance available £569 pm

3L
58.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Riverside Volvo Hull

01482249187 *

BMW X32018 (18) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£18,440

2L
75.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Dace Specialist Car Centre Stockport

01616945314 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32011 (11) - 2.0 20d SE Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,500

Finance available £78 pm

2L
174.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Fame Cars Limited

01216474010 *

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£49,995

Finance available £1,007 pm

2L
8.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32013 - 2.0 X3 sDrive18d M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Automotion Vehicle Sales

01752987252 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£27,985

Finance available £554 pm

2L
59.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Pat Kirk Ltd

02871221794 *

BMW X32021 - 20d MHT M Sport 5-Door

£26,990

Finance available £534 pm

2L
33.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Whitley Bay Motors LTD

01916075847 *

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

Low Mileage

£33,502

Finance available £682 pm

2L
20.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Halesowen

01217525895 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32014 - 20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£13,995

2L
58.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Top Gear Stoke

01782432847 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32014 (14) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

£5,900

Finance available £109 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech Pack]

£28,998

2L
34.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Ayr BYD

01292432784 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (12) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

2L
90.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

DandLMotors

01777801470 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£19,845

Finance available £387 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Morgan Cars and Commercials Ltd

02893447239 *

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

Low Mileage

£26,249

Finance available £553 pm

2L
33.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Norwich

01332419206 *

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 X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£28,999

2L
19.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

W R Davies Nissan Rhyl

01745776768 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32013 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Meehan Motors

02890024612 *

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

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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.

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