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.

842 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32020 - xDrive X3 M Competition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£42,995

Finance available £863 pm

3L
31.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32017 (67) - xLine xDrive20d Auto - Sat Nav & Rear Camera & Electric Seats & FSH 5-Door

Low Mileage

£20,990

Finance available £411 pm

2L
14.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Crossroads Garage Limited

01909496760 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (12) - 2.0 20d SE Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
111.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

XA Cars Ltd

01753989177 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£29,499

2L
19.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

W R Davies Nissan Rhyl

01745776768 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£16,195

2L
143.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Stoke

01782432972 *

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

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
89.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Elite Motors of Garstang Ltd

01995910772 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (70) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

£24,990

Finance available £493 pm

2L
52.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Cartime Rochdale

01615298277 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (19) - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£24,490

2L
74.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Phantom Motor Company

01942365271 *

BMW X32017 (17) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£13,500

Finance available £279 pm

2L
60.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Hammond Cars Norwich

01603937224 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£21,450

Finance available £420 pm

2L
69.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW X32006 (56) - 3.0sd M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£2,495

3L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW X32018 - Xdrive20D M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£23,620

Finance available £505 pm

2L
37.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

3L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32020 - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£24,306

Finance available £531 pm

2L
46.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£26,427

Finance available £522 pm

2L
33.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Strada Cars

01642262600 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

3L
45.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Crawford Clarke Cars

02890022258 *

BMW X32012 - 3.0 X3 xDrive30d M Sport 5-Door

£9,995

3L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cavendish UK Car Sales Limited

01787323385 *

5/5 Stars

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

£20,999

Finance available £411 pm

3L
83.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

0/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£26,000

Finance available £558 pm

2L
37.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Reduced

£35,749

Finance available £714 pm

2L
28.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 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.

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* 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