Used BMW X3 cars for sale

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Used BMW X3 pros and cons

Upmarket, high-tech cabin
Alternatives are comfier
Fun and easy to drive
High running costs
Roomy inside
Plug-in hybrid’s electric range isn’t great

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Is a second hand BMW X3 a good car?

The third-generation BMW X3 was on sale between 2017 and 2024, and during that time it had a well-earned reputation for being one of the best mid-sized SUVs to drive. But it’s no one trick pony, because it’s also pretty luxurious inside while also being practical enough for family life.

Budget-allowing, you’ll want to go for a model introduced in 2021 or later as an update brought a more chiselled exterior and two large screens inside to make the cabin feel more modern.

Something that’s present for all models, though, is a high quality interior that feels suitably upmarket. It’s also really spacious, with plenty of room for adults in the rear seats and a 550-litre boot that’s a match for alternatives such as the Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLC. It’s worth noting that you do lose some boot capacity if you go for the plug-in hybrid model, though.

As well as the fuel-sipping hybrid there’s a good choice of petrol and diesel engines, and if you’re looking for an SUV with sports car-rivalling performance you could also consider the 510hp BMW X3 M Competition – though its sporty character means it’s nowhere near as comfortable as the regular car. If you want an electric version, check out used BMW iX3 models.

Whichever version you go for you can be sure that the BMW X3 is good to drive. It’s impressively capable of putting a smile on your face on a twisty road, and it’s quiet and refined at motorway speeds. The suspension isn’t as comfy over bumps as the Audi Q5, though.

What to look for when buying a used BMW X3

All models cost similar amounts for annual road tax, but the 20d is the one to go for if fuel economy is your key concern, particularly if you do high mileage. The plug-in hybrid will offer the best economy if you can regularly charge the batteries, but its electric range of about 30 miles means you’ll probably still need to call on the petrol engine pretty regularly.

BMW doesn’t have an amazing reputation for reliability, and finished in the middle of the table in the most recent Driver Power owners survey. The X3 finished 36th out of the top 50 cars to own, which isn’t terrible with a score of 86.2%. Nearly new models could still be under the manufacturer’s warranty, making them more appealing.

Although there are no major alarm bells for the X3, it’s worth noting that BMW repairs can be rather pricey, so if you have a car that’s not covered by a manufacturer warranty, any issues could be quite expensive.

BMW X3 FAQs

Is the BMW X3 reliable?

The BMW X3 has a fairly good reputation for reliability, with no specific recurring issues to note. However, with repairs being expensive, any issues can be costly to fix.

Is the BMW X3 four-wheel drive?

The BMW X3 is only offered with four-wheel drive, though some older models could be specified with rear-wheel drive. These are called ‘sDrive’ and they are incredibly rare.

Is the BMW X3 expensive to maintain?

Like most premium car manufacturers, BMW’s parts and labour tend to be quite expensive. You can reduce this by shopping around for parts and using independent garages, but you can expect running costs to be higher than a more mainstream manufacturer’s cars.

How much can a BMW X3 tow?

The BMW X3 can tow up to 750kg for an unbraked trailer, or between 2,000kg and 2,600kg for braked trailers, depending on the model.

How big is the BMW X3?

The BMW X3 is 4,708mm long, 1,891mm wide and 1,676mm high.

Is the BMW X3 an SUV?

Yes, the BMW X3 is an SUV. You can tell because it has the familiar SUV body shape along with a high driving position and raised ride height common among these types of vehicles.

Is the BMW X3 fuel efficient?

It certainly can be – the 20d diesel is great for long-distance driving and you should see around 45mpg, while the plug-in hybrid is perfect if you do a lot of shorter journeys and can charge the batteries regularly at home.

What engine does the BMW X3 have?

There have been a few engine variations available for this generation of BMW X3. There have been petrol and diesel options in both 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre capacities, as well as plug-in hybrid versions. More modern versions of the petrol and diesel engines have mild hybrid technology that can help improve fuel economy.