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.

871 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32024 (74) - X3 20 xDrive M Sport 5-Door

£54,839

2L
4.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Stephen James Blackheath BMW

02037634737 *

BMW X32006 (56) - 2.0d SE 5dr

Reduced

£1,695

2L
141.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

S S AUTOS

01274059203 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Brown Cars

02890023186 *

BMW X32020 - 3.0 X3 M40i Auto 4WD 5dr

£30,577

Finance available £608 pm

3L
53.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Your Best Car Ltd

01580232496 *

BMW X32024 (24) - xDrive M40i MHT 5dr Auto

£54,900

Finance available £1,107 pm

3L
9.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£43,328

2L
6.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Scunthorpe

01724707996 *

BMW X32013 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

Reduced

£8,790

Finance available £174 pm

2L
97.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Swaan Motors Ltd

01733667053 *

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

£24,990

Finance available £493 pm

2L
44.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Diamond Specialist Cars Limited

01422412351 *

BMW X32016 - 2.0 Xdrive20d M Sport 5DR 4x4 Diesel

Low Mileage

£16,789

Finance available £353 pm

2L
50.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Direct Cars Limited

01145510336 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£25,991

2L
87.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - X3 M40i M Pro Edition 5-Door

Low Mileage

£48,000

Finance available £966 pm

3L
13.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,690

Finance available £127 pm

2L
147.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

H N S Motors

01274059857 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£29,498

2L
44.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Glenrothes)

01592803918 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£25,106

Finance available £550 pm

3L
30.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
85.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Shawn Dream Cars Ltd

02476936576 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive M40d MHT 5dr Auto

£49,995

Finance available £1,007 pm

3L
20.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£29,999

Finance available £628 pm

2L
30.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

£42,099

Finance available £900 pm

2L
11.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Glasgow

01412601249 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£25,495

Finance available £503 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MCautosales

02879440626 *

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

£22,841

Finance available £498 pm

2L
76.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.9/5 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