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.

882 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
65.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

CarBrothers NI

02894339938 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£40,849

2L
3.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

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

Low Mileage

£34,995

Finance available £698 pm

2L
27.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

All Cars Group Ta ACG Motors

01613887664 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive M40i 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£41,995

Finance available £842 pm

3L
12.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Riviera Automotive Ltd

01274505967 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£39,898

3L
23.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£37,594

2L
15.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

BMW X32015 - sDrive18d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£12,795

Finance available £264 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

J.K. Car Sales NI LTD

02890023682 *

BMW X32016 (16) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,750

Finance available £352 pm

2L
62.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

BRM Select Cars Ltd

01724709671 *

0/5 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

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

3L
69.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

RDB Car Sales

01592808079 *

BMW X32020 (70) - 3.0 M40d SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps)

Low Mileage

£35,900

Finance available £704 pm

3L
20.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW X32022 (71) - X3 xDrive20i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£33,000

2L
21.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32023 (73) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£43,300

2L
9.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

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 X32009 (09) - 2.0d SE 5dr [177]

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

LRS Trade Cars

01206918829 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£30,795

2L
18.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW X32011 (61) - 2.0 20d SE Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,790

Finance available £85 pm

2L
136.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MOSLEY MOTORS LTD

01254457312 *

BMW X32017 (67) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£14,500

Finance available £302 pm

2L
124.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Beechwood Autos Ltd

01623709945 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£31,949

Finance available £677 pm

2L
38.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Maidstone

01622291202 *

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