Used BMW X3 2018-2024 review

What's the used BMW X3 like?

For some, the BMW X3 occupies the Goldilocks position in BMW's SUV line-up. It's larger and more practical than the BMW X1, but not as big or expensive as the BMW X5, making it the 'just right' choice for many buyers.

For this third-generation model, the X3 really upped its game in terms of technology, refinement and interior space. It's especially tempting as a used purchase, because this SUV can now be had for what looks like very reasonable prices.

Overview

Thanks to tidy handling and a highly practical, high-quality interior, the BMW X3 is one of the best used family SUVs you can buy. It's a great used buy, with reliability looking good, especially for the diesel-engined models.

Pros

• Sharp handling
• Class-leading infotainment
• Strong engines

Cons

• Firm ride in M Sport trim
• Popular 20d engine sounds gruff
• Not as well equipped as some rivals

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BMW X3

2.0d SE 4WD Euro 4 5dr

£1,100

BMW X3

2.0d M Sport 4WD Euro 4 5dr

£1,895

BMW X3

3.0d SE Steptronic 4WD Euro 4 5dr

£1,950

BMW X3

3.0 sd M Sport Steptronic 4WD Euro 4 5dr

£1,995

BMW X3

2.0 20d SE xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£2,495

BMW X3

2.0 20d SE Edition Premium Steptronic xDrive Euro 4 5dr

£2,495

BMW X3

2.0d M Sport 4WD Euro 4 5dr

£2,495

BMW X3

3.0 si SE Steptronic 4WD Euro 4 5dr

£2,689

BMW X3

2.0 20d SE Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£2,990

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Engines and performance: The main engine range consists of two petrols and three diesels, all of which come with four-wheel drive and a very smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox. The 184bhp 2.0-litre 20i is fine for those who do lots of urban driving, but the 187bhp 2.0-litre 20d will be of more interest because of its deep reserves of torque, which means it doesn't have to be revved hard to make progress.

For those who want more performance, there’s the 30d with a 261bhp 3.0-litre straight six diesel engine, an M40d with a 321bhp version of the same engine, or the really rapid M40i with a 355bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine.

A mild-hybrid system was added to the 20d in 2020, along was a 288bhp plug-in hybrid 30e and an all-electric model called the BMW iX3. That version has an official range of 285 miles.

Ride and handling: Once you’re behind the wheel of the X3, you’ll soon realise that the X3 is one of the best family SUVs to drive. It splits the difference between long-distance comfort and driving pleasure really well. That's thanks in no small part to a relatively playful chassis with a rear-biased four-wheel drive system and impressively low wind and road noise levels.

However, this sharp handling does come at the cost of ride comfort on M Sport models without adaptive suspension. If you go for a car with adaptive suspension, or a lesser trim car with standard suspension and smaller alloys, the X3 rides rather nicely.

Interior and practicality: Inside, you’re treated to a very plush interior that’s awash with soft-touch plastics and has quality leather on the seats. Equipment levels are high, too, with all models getting climate control, cruise control, sat-nav, heated front seats and an electric tailgate.

Space is in plentiful supply, and most drivers should find that there’s enough adjustment in the seat and steering wheel to get their ideal driving position – although it’s worth noting that adjustable lumbar support isn’t standard. People in the back should have few complaints, even if there’s a central tunnel that cuts the available space for a middle passenger.

You can’t get seven seats in the X3, unlike the Land Rover Discovery Sport, but the X3 does have a large, usefully shaped boot with a decent amount of underfloor storage. Standard 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats make the most of the available space by being extremely flexible when carrying longer loads and passengers at the same time.

Trims and equipment: There are four different trim levels, starting with SE. It comes with LED headlights, 18in alloys, leather seats that are heated in the front, dual-zone climate control, automatic lights and an electric tailgate.

Higher-tier xLine has larger 19in wheels and sports seats, while M Sport gets a more aggressive exterior styling and firmer suspension. The two most powerful engine options only appear on the M-badged M40i and M40d, which both have bigger brakes and 20in alloy wheels.

Facelift: In 2021, the X3 was given a facelift. It introduced a redesigned front end, with a bolder kidney grille (that's connected in the middle), slimmer LED headlights and a more angular front bumper. Meanwhile, as the rear, there were new blacked-out LED taillights and redesigned exhaust tips. Inside, the interior saw the addition of larger screens, while under the bonnet, mild-hybrid technology was made standard across the line-up.

"Unusually, I prefer the third-generation X3 interior to the one that replaced it in 2024. It has more soft-touch materials and more buttons, which are two big advantages in my book." – George Hill, Used Cars Writer

If you're interested in finding a used BMW X3, or any of the other family SUVs mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

Ownership cost

What used BMW X3 will I get for my budget?

Used prices for the X3 start at around £12,000 for an early version with high mileage. It'll most likely come with a diesel engine, but if you want petrol or PHEV power, have a minimum budget of £15,000. Lower mileage examples cost upwards of £17,000, while faster M models jump up to the £22,000 mark.

If you want a facelift example from 2021 or 2022, have a budget of at least £24,000. Later 2023 and 2024 cars start from around £26,000, while facelift M models cost upwards of £30,000.

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How much does cost to run a BMW X3?

MPG

If you have an X3 with a diesel engine, you should expect to see more than 40mpg. The most frugal version is the 20d, with an official WLTP average of 45.6mpg. Remarkably, the six-cylinder 30d is only slightly down on this figure at 40.4mpg, while the M40d returns a decent 39.2mpg.

The petrol cars aren’t quite as good. The four-cylinder 20i averages only 36.2mpg, while the 34.4mpg combined figure for the high-performance M40i would have to be achieved with a very light foot.

Road tax

All versions of the X3 registered after April 2017 will attract a flat-rate fee of £200 per year under current road tax costs. If the X3 in question costs more than £40,000 when new, it will attract an additional fee of £440 per year for years two to six after the car has been sold new.

Insurance and servicing

Insurance costs should be in line with rivals, unless you go for the M40d or M40i. BMW servicing generally undercuts that of rival Mercedes in terms of cost and is on a par with that of other rivals. However, your car's previous owner might have bought a service pack when the car was new, and this should cover all the routine maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles. You can check BMW’s website to see if your X3 has a pre-paid service pack.

Reliability

The X3 generally offers a sturdy ownership experience, according to real-world owner reviews analysed as part of our annual What Car? Reliability Survey. However, electrical glitches, infotainment hiccups, minor oil leaks and worn engine mounts can cause headaches, while older diesels sometimes suffer from AdBlue or EGR issues. Out-of-warranty dealer repairs can also get expensive.

To find out more about used BMW X3 reliability, head to our dedicated reliability page.

Our recommendations

Which used BMW X3 should I buy?

Engine

Of the numerous engines available, it’s the 20d that we would recommend, for its smooth power delivery, strong torque and good fuel economy. The other engines in the range tend to be quite expensive to buy and aren’t as readily available. However, if you only do short journeys, the 20i petrol might be better to avoid diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging issues.

Specification

Our favourite specification is SE because it gives you all the equipment you really need. The next model up, xLine, is more of an appearance package and doesn’t offer any meaningful extras for the money. M Sport has firmer suspension as standard and really needs adaptive dampers to soften the ride on badly maintained roads (not all examples will have this essential extra fitted).

Our favourite BMW X3: xDrive20d SE

Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used BMW X3?

The best alternative to the X3 is the Audi Q5, which has an even swankier interior and can be had with Audi’s excellent Virtual Cockpit digital instrument panel – a configurable 12.3in display that provides the driver with lots of information. It’s also very good to drive, if less involving than the X3.

If you think your family SUV ought to have some serious off-road pedigree, take a look at the Land Rover Discovery Sport, because it should allow you to travel further from the beaten path than any other car in its class. While you do have to put up with a less luxurious interior, it can be had with seven seats and there’s lots of room for people travelling in the middle row. Reliability is questionable, though.

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If you're interested in finding a used BMW X3, or any of the other family SUVs mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.