Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X3 buying guide

You’ll find several different engine and trim choices when shopping for BMW X3s. Read on for more info on each so you can pick the version that’s right for you.

What BMW X3 trim levels are there?

There are three trim levels available for the X3, plus a special high-end specification for speedy M40i and M40d models.

Entry-level X3s come in SE trim. This includes alloy wheels, LED headlights, three-zone climate control, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and an infotainment system with DAB radio, Bluetooth, and included Apple CarPlay as standard from mid-2019 onwards, with Android Auto joining later in 2020.

Mid-range models come in xLine spec. This adds larger alloy wheels, satin aluminium and chrome styling details, a larger fuel tank and front sports seats.

M Sport is BMW’s sporty trim level similar to Audi’s S Line. M Sport cars get sportier-looking alloys and meaner body kit, a larger infotainment touchscreen and sports suspension.

BMW X3 interior and technology

The X3 gets all the premium touches you’d expect from a BMW inside. Every model comes with leather upholstery and a neat, driver-focused dashboard, and BMW has resisted the temptation to hide the heater and air-con controls behind the touchscreen, which makes them easier to adjust on the move. 

BMW’s iDrive infotainment system is easily one of the best you can get, with an intuitive, easy-to-use interface and a responsive screen. There is a small blemish on its record, however, because BMW was one of the last carmakers to offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for free. Nearly new X3 models built from July 2016 onwards will include Apple CarPlay for free if they had CarPlay preparation fitted as an option – this might need to be activated by a BMW dealership. If the car didn’t have CarPlay preparation fitted, you might need to get a third-party retrofit unit. Android Auto started fitment from 2020 onwards. Please check with your Motorpoint sales representative if you want to know which smartphone interfaces are available on a particular vehicle.

While the X3 isn’t the largest SUV BMW makes – you’ll want the beefier X5 or X7 for that – but it’s still a really practical choice for families with loads of space in all five seats. Head and legroom for all passengers is generous, with the only limit coming in the form of tight elbow room if you fit three adults across the rear row. Boot space is also great, with a wide and square load area that can tackle around three large suitcases if you pack carefully.

BMW X3 engine range explained

(Most popular) BMW X3 xDrive20d diesel

Diesel engines are popular in the X3 lineup and the entry-level unit makes a good all-round choice. It’s a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder unit that makes 190hp, giving the X3 a 0-62mph time of  eight seconds, meaning it won’t feel strained when overtaking on the motorway. Average economy can rise as high as 52mpg if you drive gently.

BMW X3 xDrive30d diesel

If you want long-distance diesel cruising ability but fancy a bit more power, take a look at the xDrive30d. This swaps in a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbodiesel engine, bringing a significant boost up to 265hp and dropping the 0-62mph time to a hot-hatch-rivalling 5.8 seconds. Efficiency falls to a still-respectable 45mpg.

BMW X3 M40d diesel

If you want to beat most hot hatches, rather than simply keeping up with them, check out the X3 M40d. This borrows some of the high-performance know-how from BMW’s M division to turn this model into a seriously sporty SUV. Power from the 3.0-litre engine rises to 326hp, dropping the 0-62mph sprint to less than five seconds.

BMW X3 xDrive20i petrol

For drivers that don’t drive large annual mileages, BMW’s smooth petrol engines also make a great choice. The entry-level version is the xDrive20i, which is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder making 184hp. The 0-62mph run takes 8.3 seconds, which is probably more than enough for most drivers.

BMW X3 M40i petrol

If you like the idea of a high-performance X3, but don’t need or want a diesel, there’s also the M40i – the fastest X3 you can buy short of the full-beans X3 M. With 344hp on tap, this 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine will launch the X3 M40i to 62mph from a standstill in 4.8 seconds, meaning this model will really throw you back into your seat if you pin it on a motorway slip road.