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.

920 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32017 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

100

Reduced

£13,790

Finance available £280 pm

2L
90.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

City Motors (Cambs) Ltd

01733666873 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£20,599

Finance available £438 pm

2L
16.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32012 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d SE 5-Door

Reduced

£7,695

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

M & L CAR SALES LIMITED

01733666831 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£25,750

Finance available £508 pm

2L
65.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

FM MOTORS GB LTD

02039484610 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d xLine 5dr Step Auto

£22,698

3L
62.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Morecambe)

01524938898 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 20i GPF SE SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£21,000

Finance available £438 pm

2L
55.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

BMW X32017 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£20,399

Finance available £433 pm

2L
49.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (18) - 2.0 20i M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

2L
71.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

ARJ MOTORS

01932507141 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32008 - 2.0d M Sport 4WD Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

2L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Wyke Motors

01274028135 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (70) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£24,480

Finance available £482 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£59,950

2L
790.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£50,950

Finance available £1,026 pm

2L
5.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£23,490

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SM Specialist Cars Ltd

01234860417 *

4.9/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£16,500

Finance available £346 pm

2L
62.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Richardsons Car Sales

01522458038 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech Pack]

Low Mileage

£28,649

Finance available £605 pm

2L
28.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Maidstone

01622291202 *

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

£19,495

Finance available £380 pm

2L
75.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SLF car sales

02038933675 *

BMW X32013 (13) - 3.0 35d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£9,999

3L
82.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

The Car Zone

01606539547 *

BMW X32014 (14) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£11,550

2L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Quality Cars Hub Ltd

02037636622 *

BMW X32019 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20i M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

2L
91.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

S.M.T Automotive Ltd

01296326349 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32024 (73) - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£41,490

Finance available £832 pm

2L
17.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Assured Chichester

01243214214 *

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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