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.

935 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

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 X32023 - xDrive M40i MHT 5dr Auto

Reduced

£49,997

3L
29.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

£34,350

Finance available £730 pm

2L
25.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£23,249

Finance available £482 pm

2L
43.6K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

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 X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d M Sport xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,688

Finance available £216 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Auto Group

02037808971 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32015 - sDrive18d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£12,795

Finance available £264 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

J.K. Car Sales NI LTD

02890023682 *

BMW X32012 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£8,995

3L
136.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

J.K. Car Sales NI LTD

02890023682 *

BMW X32013 (13) - 2.0 XDRIVE20D SE 5d 181 BHP 5-Door

Reduced

£10,495

2L
58.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Baglan Car Centre

01639501146 *

3.8/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (63) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (258 ps)factory ext

£11,650

3L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

Rix Motors

01925917564 *

BMW X32023 (73) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto Estate

£42,061

2L
1.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Durham

01918146639 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - xDrive M40d MHT 5dr Auto

£31,500

3L
91.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW X32021 (71) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto Estate

£29,388

2L
59.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32014 (14) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,790

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Performa Motors Limited

01733794291 *

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

Low Mileage

£15,890

Finance available £333 pm

2L
54.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motor Gurus

01144780031 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£42,498

2L
11.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Milton Keynes

01416118716 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£28,300

Finance available £598 pm

2L
32.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Wimbledon

02038235453 *

BMW X32021 - Xdrive20I M Sport 5Dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£30,999

Finance available £616 pm

2L
27.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Lookers Stoke-on-Trent BMW

01782917219 *

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£22,995

2L
64.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Motortrust UK Garstang

01942365158 *

BMW X32007 (07) - 2.0d M Sport 5dr

Reduced

£2,895

2L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

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.