The BMW 3-5-7. Three digits that beat like a heart, every wheel rotation a breath of dreams, containing an entire sky of passion and desire. Every 357 of the week, I drift into the dream of driving each BMW in this legendary product range. The growl of the engine, the feeling of the steering wheel, and the pride when looking at the blue and white propeller logo – all have become an indispensable part of the heartbeat of a BMW enthusiast to the point of absurdity.
BMW Series 3 – Tuesday Morning Dawn
In 1975, when the Vietnam War ended and Vietnamese people freely rode bicycles on the streets, at the Munich Olympic Stadium, the first BMW 3 Series – a two-door sedan evolved from the BMW 02 Series – was introduced to the world.
The first-generation BMW 3 Series brought an innovation that became the standard for all subsequent BMW models: the dual kidney-shaped grille, the body side character line, and the twin headlights. One could say the BMW 3 Series Sedan laid the foundation for a half-century success story that continues to this day. To date, a total of 17 different kidney grille designs have been flexibly applied to hundreds of BMW models.
Born in 1975, the BMW Series 3 redefined the luxury sports sedan segment. From the first E21 generation, the car carried the DNA of a purebred racer – a perfect balance between a longitudinally mounted engine, rear-wheel drive, and meticulously tuned chassis. The first-generation BMW 3 Series introduced an innovation that became the standard for all subsequent BMW models: the dual kidney-shaped grille.
“One thing uncle never gets tired of is the car’s balance and power: no matter how deep you press when cornering, the BMW 3 sticks to the road like a lizard on a wall” – Uncle Six Minh, a driver in his 60s. It’s said that only when you masterfully drive a BMW Series 3 do you truly understand the profound value of BMW’s slogan “The Ultimate Driving Machine” and how significant it truly is.
If there’s one sound that can stir the hearts of those with “fuel in their blood,” it’s the distinctive roar of the BMW M3, the high-performance sports version of the Series 3. When the RPM reaches 8,400, the M3’s breath is no longer just sound – it’s the call of BMW technology, the song of metal and fuel blending into one. The deep rumble at low revs, to the dramatic high-pitched howl when the speedometer needle reaches the red zone, that sound makes countless gamers excited when first heard in Need For Speed, dreaming of driving it in real life.
BMW Series 5 – Thursday Evening Rush
Since 1972, the Series 5 has set the standard for the mid-size luxury sedan segment. The E28 introduced the M5 version – the world’s fastest sedan at that time. The E34 with its elegant styling. The E39 version with its flawless design, super-powerful V8 engine, and dreamlike handling became the mirror reflecting every competitor.
But there are stories about Series 5 that not everyone knows. Few people know that the E code in BMW generations (like E28, E34) comes from “Entwicklung” – meaning “development” in German. The 1992 M5 Touring version is one of the rare station wagon models entirely hand-assembled by the M GmbH team, with only 891 units produced. There’s a rather rumored detail: BMW engineers designed the M5’s exhaust system after a safari tour, creating a sound with a frequency similar to a lion’s roar – to initiate the iconic “King of the Road” story that continues to spread to this day.
Each BMW 5 generation contributes a different technological advancement: the iDrive operating system, laser headlights with a 650m range, or advanced self-driving features (not yet equipped in the Vietnamese market). Not to mention the BMW Series 5 Li (Long wheelbase) – a version with a 130mm extended wheelbase that’s insanely beautiful (not yet available in the Vietnamese market). The sleek body lines are precisely extended millimeter by millimeter, creating a new “golden ratio,” but behind the wheel remains an unmistakably pure BMW.
Refined in urban settings, but when switched to Sport mode for spontaneous acceleration or deliberate lane changes, the inner strength of the BMW 530i M Sport emerges. Press the accelerator deeply, all power is released, the suspension tightens, the steering wheel becomes more stable, the wheels grip the road, and the car rushes forward under the astonished, longing gazes of those trailing behind.
BMW’s rear-wheel-drive xDrive architecture delivers a driving experience praised by millions of Bimmers. On curved roads, the 530i M Sport demonstrates excellent balance. The intelligent steering system provides clear feedback, allowing drivers to choose the exact entry point when cornering. The BMW 530i M Sport’s maximum speed of 250km/h is designed not to show off power on highways for cameras to record, but to help drivers maintain composure in unexpected challenges.
The adaptive suspension system (standard on luxury models) is the key element defining the dual character of the BMW 530i M Sport. In Comfort mode, the system absorbs maximum vibrations from the road, creating a smooth driving experience worthy of a business-class sedan. Switch to Sport mode, and the entire setup is reconfigured – stiffer suspension, quicker response, ready for high-performance maneuvers. The high-performance M Sport brakes are always in a ready state, awaiting command.
BMW Series 7 – Saturday Night Luxury
When mentioning Series 7, Bimmers don’t describe just a top-tier luxury sedan – they “evangelize” about a four-wheeled moving work of art. From Chris Bangle’s bold design on the E65 to the luxurious beauty of the G70 generation currently displayed in Vietnam, Series 7 has always been the stage for BMW to showcase its latest technological breakthroughs. Through Series 7, perhaps the manufacturer wants us to enjoy BMW with our hearts while controlling our excitement calmly.
The Interaction Bar on Series 7 is just one (of many things) that has redefined the concept of luxury car interiors. An exquisite crystal light strip runs along the dashboard and doors, transforming into multiple colors according to each driving mode: fiery red in Sport mode like the car’s blood vessels boiling, gentle blue in Efficient mode as a reminder of environmental responsibility, and warm yellow in comfort modes – all controlled by gestures, right at your fingertips.
Not stopping at illumination and decoration, the Interaction Bar integrates safety warnings, temperature control, volume, and many other features into this interactive strip, turning every “touch” operation into a captivating experience.
The extraordinarily superior appearance of the BMW Series 7 carries bold and creative inspiration from beginning to end, from outside to inside. Or in other words, Series 7 was born from imagination, but also breaks imagination.
For a Bimmer (and BMW evangelist), every 357 is not just another day lying still on the calendar but an opportunity for freedom to immerse oneself in journeys. Series 3 represents pure passion, Series 5 embodies classic beauty, Series 7 the pinnacle of luxury.
What are you thinking right now? Choose a number for your next car, register for a white license plate, and hit the road. Life is too short to spend half of it polishing an ordinary car. Give your all to greater things, to the dream that’s brewing inside. Fight fiercely in silence, even just once – to reach glory.
