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 X32013 (63) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£7,690

Finance available £149 pm

2L
116.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

James Bush Cars

01652241116 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (20) - 3.0 M40i GPF Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£24,495

Finance available £483 pm

3L
97.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

RSK CARS LIMITED

01902240171 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto [Tech/Pro Pk]

£44,998

3L
25.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Wigan)

01942597310 *

4.7/5 Stars

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 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32004 (54) - 2.5i SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,400

2.5L
123.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
SUV

Prosper Autos Ltd

01282501861 *

BMW X32013 (13) - 2.0 18d SE Auto sDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,950

Finance available £200 pm

2L
51.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

My-motorcar.com

01554701580 *

BMW X32023 (73) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£37,000

Finance available £683 pm

2L
32.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

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 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 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 (13) - xDrive20d M Sport Step Auto LOW MILEAGE 4x4 5-Door

Low Mileage

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

R M A Car Sales

01594801742 *

BMW X32014 (63) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,500

Finance available £123 pm

2L
123.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Fame Cars Limited

01216474010 *

BMW X32010 (60) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
102.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hitchin Motor Sales Ltd

01908953489 *

BMW X32015 (15) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,591

Finance available £214 pm

2L
100.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Bazaar ltd

01143086594 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - 3.0 M40d MHT Pro Edition Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£44,989

3L
29.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Blackstone Motors Ltd

01895542975 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£28,250

2L
22.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Perrys Aylesbury Ford

01296325843 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£5,995

2L
99.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Hillington Motor Co Ltd

01414730658 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 20i GPF X-LINE AUTO X-DRIVE 185 BHP + SAT NAV + HEATED LEATHER + CAMERA 5-Door

£19,980

Finance available £390 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

GTS Automotive Ltd

01254947688 *

BMW X32017 (17) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£16,800

Finance available £353 pm

2L
51.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

GS Car Centre Ltd

01772348161 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - 3.0 X3 M40i Auto 4WD 5dr

Reduced

£32,450

Finance available £646 pm

3L
49.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

torquepoint

01908765737 *

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.

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