Used BMW X3 for sale: everything you need to know

The BMW X3 is a popular mid-size SUV from the sporty German brand. In its latest guise, it has an upmarket appearance and is more than a match for rivals like the advanced Audi Q5 and the popular Mercedes-Benz GLC. 

In recent years, BMW has sought to give the BMW X3 added character by upping its level of luxury, combining this with more emphasis on the car’s appearance. Even entry-level trims look smart, and the multitude of M Sport, M Performance and full-fat M Competition versions are by far the most popular among those who buy or lease a new model. 

BMW is also ticking the environmental boxes, with both a BMW X3 plug-in hybrid and the pure electric BMW iX3 – the latter which we’ve tested separately. It rivals the likes of the Volvo XC60. Take a look at a BMW X3 for sale on heycar to discover just what’s on offer. 

Should you buy a BMW X3? 

If the BMW X1 doesn't quite have the space you need, the BMW X3 is a great alternative. This latest version has all the kudos of bigger BMW SUVs, but at an affordable price for those wanting to buy or lease. Indeed, the BMW X3’s excellent retained values make it surprisingly good value for such a premium SUV. 

It’s particularly impressive inside. The five-seat interior is very spacious, with lots of family-friendly rear-seat space (and a three-way split-fold rear seat), while three-zone climate control means those in the rear get their own air-con controls. The materials used are very luxurious and upmarket in feel, while the superb refinement of the powertrains (particularly that silent-running 30e PHEV) further bolsters the upmarket experience. 

There’s a great range of engines. The diesels still impress with their blend of performance, pulling power and economy, while petrol alternatives are decent in their own right, and that bit more affordable. Then there’s the plug-in hybrid, which has a pure electric range of up to 30 miles, plus more than 290PS of power to enjoy on longer trips. It’s a really good stepping stone to the pure electric BMW iX3. 

Alternatively, you could go for one of the exciting M-branded performance models. The M40i petrol and M40d diesel will be more than enough for most, but for others, only the 510PS of the BMW X3 M Competition will do. This flagship model also has all the associated M styling add-ons (and noisy exhausts) to help you really stand out. 

The BMW X3 has been around for almost 20 years now. During that time, it has cemented itself as a great all-rounder that delivers all you’d expect of a premium SUV and more – with a slice of dynamic BMW appeal added on top. 

The latest model also looks good, particularly in M Sport grade, while its interior is very plush and appealing. BMW has loaded it with standard equipment, plus one of the very best and most fully-connected infotainment systems in the business. 

It’s a good car to have on your shortlist if you’re looking to buy or lease a premium family SUV. Even once you’ve driven the competition, you might find it a hard car to overlook, so fulsome are its talents. 

A BMW X3 not for you? We've got 1000s of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs.

What’s the best used BMW X3 model to buy?

If you pick the plug-in hybrid BMW X3 then the boot space decreases from 550 to 450-litres, so while the CO2 emissions are incredibly low, practicality suffers. It also comes with the usual caveats for this type of car, in that unless you can charge the battery before every journey, and mainly take short trips, it'll use a lot more fuel the minute the battery runs flat.

In our opinion, the xDrive 20d, with its 190PS diesel motor, is the best option for most buyers, with decent performance and 48mpg+ economy, but we'd be sorely tempted by the six-cylinder 30d if you're buying used. 

It is seriously quick and smooth, with only a small drop in fuel efficiency, and its superior refinement makes it even more relaxing over long distances than the four-cylinder model. There's no rival quite like it - it even makes a half-decent noise for a diesel. 

Picking the right trim will also be a matter of personal taste more than a lack of features. The SE specification is so generously equipped that you don't really need to pay for a single option. If you can afford a bit more on top of your monthly payments, then the upgraded infotainment system in M Sport models is the best in class.

Used BMW X3 fuel economy and performance

• BMW X3 20i petrol: The entry-level BMW X3 uses a four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 184PS. It can average up to 37.2mpg and emits from 173g/km of CO2. Zero to 62mph takes 8.4 seconds. Mild hybrid technology is standard, which extends the engine-off period during stop-start motoring. 
• BMW X3 30e plug-in hybrid: The plug-in hybrid BMW X3 30e combines the 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and rechargeable battery. Officially, it averages up to 134.5mpg and emits from 46g/km of CO2. Thanks to a total power output of 292PS, 0-62mph takes just 6.1 seconds. It can also travel for up to 30 miles on electric power only. 
• BMW X3 20d diesel: A traditional 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, the BMW X3 20d does at least have mild hybrid tech, plus a power output of 190PS. It’s appreciably more economical than the X3 20i, averaging up to 47.9mpg, but also accelerates half a second faster, doing 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds. 
• BMW X3 30d diesel: A 3.0-litre six-cylinder alternative, the creamy-smooth BMW X3 30d produces an ample 286PS and a good amount of pulling power. The 0-62mph sprint takes 5.7 seconds, which is pretty good for an engine that also averages up to 44.8mpg. Earlier models had 265PS
• BMW X3 M40i petrol: The interesting BMW X3 M40i uses a high-output 360PS 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo petrol engine for 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds. It averages 31.0mpg. 
• BMW X3 M40d diesel: A diesel-powered 3.0-litre six-cylinder alternative, the BMW X3 M40d produces 340PS and also does 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds. However, it can average 40.9mpg. Still want that M40i? 
• BMW X3 M Competition petrol: The ultimate BMW X3 is the high-performance M3 Competition. Its exotic 3.0-litre engine, built by BMW M, produces 510hp and has a wonderful soundtrack. Zero to 62mph takes just 3.8 seconds, although this does come at the cost of 26.2mpg. 

What used BMW X3 trims levels are available?

• The BMW X3 SE was available new when the X3 first went on sale, but it was later phased out leading the xLine as the entry-level model. It had LED headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels, but most customers wanted something more.
• The BMW X3 xLine is the most affordable new BMW X3, and has a better level of standard equipment than the SE. It’s available with core 20i, 20d and 30e engines. 
• The BMW X3 M Sport is a visually sportier alternative to the xLine, for a still-affordable price (the premium can be as little as £1,800). It’s offered with the same engine options, plus the 30d turbodiese. 
• The BMW X3 M40i and M40d are both variants from BMW’s M Performance division. They are M-influenced, but don’t quite have the ultra-sporting focus of the range-topper. Choose from 3.0-litre straight-six engines in either petrol or diesel guises. 
• The BMW X3 M Competition is a proper M car, with a plethora of M-specific styling details and under-the-skin technology. It has the performance to match, using an engine similar to that in the BMW M3 and M4. 

BMW X3 dimensions and boot size

The BMW X3’s exterior dimensions are: 

• Length: 4708mm
• Width: 1891mm
• Height: 1676mm
• Ground clearance: 204mm

The BMW X3’s boot size is:

• 550 litres (X3 30e: 450 litres)
• 1600 litres with rear seats folded (X3 30e: 1500 litres)

Used BMW X3 road tax

The current BMW X3 was launched in 2018, which means all petrol and diesel models pay the same flat-rate of tax regardless of their efficiency, which is currently £850 per year. The plug-in hybrids get a £10 discount off that.

There's a sting in the tail though, as most X3s cost more than £40,000 when new, they are liable for a luxury tax rate during the first six years of ownership, pushing the annual cost up to £570 for the non-hybrid models.

How much is it to insure a BMW X3? 

Car insurance for the BMW X3 20i xLine starts from a reasonable group 28 (out of 50). It’s nudged up to group 33 for the BMW X3 20d diesel, while choosing a plug-in hybrid BMW X3 30e results in a headier group 38 insurance rating. The M40d is group 43 and the M40i is group 45. Needless to say, the BMW X3 M Competition will be the most expensive BMW X3 of all to insure. 

Read our full BMW X3 review