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.

928 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32020 (70) - X3 xDrive30d M Sport 5-Door

£32,500

3L
45.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32022 (22) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport 5dr Auto xDrive (SAT NAV, FULL LEATHER)

Low Mileage

£34,988

2L
20.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - 3.0 M40i MHT Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£41,995

Finance available £842 pm

3L
33.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Zanouchi Group Limited

01204939533 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (17) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

Reduced

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

3L
112.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cars 4 You Ltd

01506376842 *

4/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (62) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
65.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Peachwood Cars

01205335099 *

BMW X32019 (69) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£24,000

2L
41.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stoneacre Gateshead Metrocentre Mazda

01916071534 *

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

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
117.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Otho Cars Ltd

01612415925 *

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

£26,476

Finance available £546 pm

2L
43.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsupermarket.com Newcastle

01916070812 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£52,370

2L
6.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

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

£19,495

Finance available £380 pm

2L
99.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Motorology

01515417934 *

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

£25,600

Finance available £463 pm

2L
56.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32017 (17) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£12,500

Finance available £257 pm

2L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Coventry Sterling Motors

02475103850 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (72) - XDRIVE30D 3.0 MHT M SPORT 5-Door

Reduced

£39,495

Finance available £791 pm

3L
28.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Bespoke Motor Works Ltd

01642937532 *

4.9/5 Stars

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 X32017 (67) - 2.0 20d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,890

Finance available £333 pm

2L
68.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Rivendell Cars Limited

01434629055 *

BMW X32020 (20) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£27,999

Finance available £591 pm

2L
37.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (72) - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto Estate

Low Mileage

£34,739

2L
18.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (19) - 3.0 M40d SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps)

Reduced

£27,949

Finance available £554 pm

3L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (13) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,499

3L
85.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£43,995

Finance available £883 pm

2L
8.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

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

lite-youtube[videoid='JNysqBA8wNg']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/JNysqBA8wNg/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='JNysqBA8wNg']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

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.