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.

1,008 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32018 (18) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£23,795

£478/pm (HP)

2L
45.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Eclipse Car Sales Limited

02392006073 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

£26,295

£499/pm (PCP)

3L
72.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32015 (64) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£20,661

£404/pm (HP)

2L
13.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Oakley Specialist Cars

01435510392 *

BMW X32019 (68) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Low Mileage

£27,995

£592/pm (PCP)

3L
54.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hartlepool Motor Company Ltd

01429807308 *

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps) 1 PRIVATE

£22,999

£386/pm (PCP)

2L
60.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Ben Clark Automobiles

01306772439 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (12) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£4,995

£84/pm (HP)

2L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Cars & Vans Sales

02920028857 *

BMW X32016 (66) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,999

£336/pm (HP)

2L
50.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

RCS Car Sales

01905953512 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£19,840

3L
86.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Evans Halshaw Ford Cardiff

02921676267 *

BMW X32011 (PM) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

£4,995

2L
128.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cars 4 You Ltd

01506376842 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£32,000

£529/pm (PCP)

2L
41.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW X32019 (69) - X3 xDrive30d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£27,499

3L
36.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Halliwell Jones North Wales BMW

01492552127 *

BMW X32023 (72) - xDrive M40d MHT 5dr Auto

£40,995

£657/pm (PCP)

3L
57.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Corner House Garage

01455249073 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£23,199

£486/pm (HP)

2L
30.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Ipswich

01473354033 *

BMW X32022 (72) - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack] Petrol Estate

Low Mileage

£34,547

2L
21.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - xDrive M40i 5dr Step Auto

£29,495

3L
53.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stoneacre Sunderland Volvo

01915947485 *

BMW X32016 (16) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£15,795

£311/pm (HP)

2L
58.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorswitch Ltd

01942364531 *

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

£30,420

£539/pm (PCP)

2L
35.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32025 (25) - X3 20d xDrive M Sport 5-Door

£43,899

2L
5.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Halliwell Jones Chester BMW

01704660087 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£21,995

£428/pm (PCP)

2L
53.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cornwall Cars Ltd

01579558793 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 3.0 M40i MHT Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£39,000

£583/pm (PCP)

3L
33.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Alistair Buchan

01592803901 *

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

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

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.

* 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

Author: Jack Evans

Pros

Cons

Engines and transmissions

Practicality

Safety

Technology

Third Generation (2017 to 2024)

Second Generation (2010 to 2017)

Which is the most popular engine in the BMW X3?

Which are the most popular trim levels?

What optional extras should I look out for?

Is the BMW X3 a good family car?

Is there a hybrid version of the BMW X3?

Is the BMW X3 available as an automatic?

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

1,008 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32018 (18) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

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

BMW X32015 (64) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

BMW X32019 (68) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps) 1 PRIVATE

BMW X32012 (12) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

BMW X32016 (66) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

BMW X32011 (PM) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

BMW X32023 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

BMW X32019 (69) - X3 xDrive30d M Sport 5-Door

BMW X32023 (72) - xDrive M40d MHT 5dr Auto

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

BMW X32022 (72) - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack] Petrol Estate

BMW X32019 (69) - xDrive M40i 5dr Step Auto

BMW X32016 (16) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

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

BMW X32025 (25) - X3 20d xDrive M Sport 5-Door

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

BMW X32021 (71) - 3.0 M40i MHT Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Why buy a used BMW X3?

Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Author: Jack Evans

Pros

Cons

BMW X3 video review

Used BMW X3 buying guide

Engines and transmissions

Practicality

Safety

Technology

Different generations of used BMW X3

Third Generation (2017 to 2024)

Second Generation (2010 to 2017)

Used BMW X3 FAQ's

Which is the most popular engine in the BMW X3?

Which are the most popular trim levels?

What optional extras should I look out for?

Is the BMW X3 a good family car?

Is there a hybrid version of the BMW X3?

Is the BMW X3 available as an automatic?

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?