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.

988 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£23,249

£380/pm (PCP)

2L
68.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch

01792001651 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh xLine SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s)

£21,400

£325/pm (PCP)

2L
53.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£31,458

2L
46.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW X32015 (15) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£15,495

£324/pm (HP)

2L
64.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Peverel car company ltd

01245204345 *

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

Reduced

£14,300

£297/pm (HP)

2L
69.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Taylors Pitstop

01293221182 *

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

Low Mileage

£25,395

£393/pm (PCP)

2L
38.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Wimbledon Carriage Co

02039104722 *

BMW X32024 (74) - X3 xDrive20i M Sport 5-Door

£47,500

2L
8.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (15) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr

£6,995

2L
137.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Autoworld Cars LTD

01924973787 *

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£46,999

2L
6.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Leeds

01134676295 *

BMW X32010 (60) - 2l 5d AUTO 181 BHP 5-Door

£17,549

2L
134.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£27,328

2L
22.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Marshall Audi Wimbledon

02038928034 *

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

£30,248

£485/pm (PCP)

2L
30.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Portsmouth

01329551291 *

BMW X32012 (62) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,994

£233/pm (HP)

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

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

£25,995

£526/pm (PCP)

3L
79.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Motoring Way LTD

01495361519 *

BMW X32019 - 3.0 X3 M40D Auto 4WD 5dr

Reduced

£29,989

37.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Essex Prestige Autos Ltd

01279967337 *

BMW X32017 (67) - xDrive30d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£15,500

£324/pm (HP)

3L
61.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Cleveland Car Sales

01482296016 *

BMW X32012 - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

£6,420

2L
120.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Westbrook Car Sales

01733794312 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£26,999

2L
36.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Leeds

01134676295 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£23,391

2L
43.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

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

£27,410

£442/pm (PCP)

2L
37.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Cannock

01543227664 *

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

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

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.