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.

843 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£28,995

Finance available £575 pm

3L
46.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Abbey Autos Glengormley

02890021961 *

BMW X32022 - X3 xDrive30 M Sport 5-Door

£35,700

Finance available £713 pm

2L
26.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£28,990

2L
58.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AutoUnit Ltd

01633741698 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - 3.0 M40i GPF SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (354 ps)

£27,495

3L
66.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Wavertree Car Centre

01513189401 *

BMW X32019 (68) - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£12,990

Finance available £268 pm

2L
37.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Oakley Specialist Cars

01435510392 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£30,998

2L
29.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy BMW

01592802402 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£33,147

2L
20.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive 30e xLine Auto 5-Door

Reduced

£32,776

Finance available £681 pm

2L
21.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

CarSupermarket.com Lincoln

01522459088 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

£26,495

Finance available £524 pm

2L
59.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Ashford Orbital Kia

01233223702 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£25,950

Finance available £513 pm

2L
20.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

THORP ARCH MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED

01937220370 *

BMW X32016 (55) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

Reduced

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

3L
68.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

My Next Car

01767669358 *

BMW X32020 (70) - 2.0 30e 12kWh SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,500

Finance available £339 pm

2L
89.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£27,495

Finance available £544 pm

2L
67.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Lakeland Cars (NI) Ltd

02890023697 *

BMW X32022 (72) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£32,200

Finance available £580 pm

2L
30.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£20,950

Finance available £410 pm

2L
71.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Ballinderry Car Sales Limited

02892441046 *

BMW X32022 (71) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£33,500

Finance available £614 pm

2L
24.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Wimbledon

02038235453 *

BMW X32013 - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,495

2L
52.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

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

£26,995

Finance available £534 pm

2L
39.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Paul Williamson Cars Ltd

01343612230 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
107.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Thomas Devlin Car Sales

02894338824 *

BMW X32017 (67) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,990

Finance available £268 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Ideal Car Centre

01617904497 *

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

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.

Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Pros