Hi, I'm a newbie who is considering the G35. Primary attractions for me are the sportiness of the car combined with the availability of a manual transmission. I have small kids, and need a 4 door.

I've liked the look of the G35 for some time, and just went to the local dealership to sit in one for a "test fit". I'm 6'3", with relatively short legs and a long torso. With the seat adjusted comfortably my head was *just* touching the headliner. I *might* get used to that, or I might find it annoying after a while. What do other tall folks do? Just recline the seat-back until you find a comfortable position? I sat in the M35 to compare, and found it had much more headroom, but it's a larger car, and doesn't offer a manual transmission.

Anybody size a BMW 3-series against the G? I much prefer the looks and price-point of the G35, but I might have to consider a 3-series if it fits me better. Just realized that my handle might flag me as a BMW troll; I'm not! I've used this handle on automotive forums for years, ever since I spent lots of money trying to get my old GTI to handle like an M3. I've never actually driven a BMW before (or a G35, for that matter)...

 

Um, I am 6'2" ish and I have my seat all the way back/down. I could scoot up a little bit, but I like having my legs as straight as possible so I don't have to pick up my feet everytime I want to brake.

I have no problems with the headliner, I can fit my fist vertically between my head and the roof.

 

Just get a G35 with no sunroof and you'll have more headroom.

As for comparing the car to a 3 series, they are almost the same car with tastes all being subjective. Before purchasing my car in June '07 I was seriously considering a '02-'04 E46 M3 for the longest time...test drove 4 different ones in the metro atlanta area and here are the reasons i went with a G35

Pros:
1.) M3 = used car && G35 = new car
2.) G35 looks > M3 looks (especially exterior)
3.) More room, cheaper on insurance and gas

Cons:
1.) M3 is faster
2.) Tachometer is awesome

Pros greatly outweigh the cons. and these two cars are in the same price range but the value you get out of a G35 is much greater than that of BMW.

 

I am 6'3", my hair puts me at about 6'5" though, and i've never had a problem touching the headliner. For me i just reclined the seat a little (very little, i'm not a fan of the "gangster lean" seat position), and extended the steering wheel towards me.

Perfect fit! I actually have a lot of room... Or at least it feels that way, especially since my previous car was a S2000

 

There's a guy in the Edmunds forums who had the same problem.
He said that he adjusted a nut under the seat and this bought him an extra inch or two in headroom.
By factory setting, the seat doesn't drop all the way.

 

The 3-series is overall a much smaller car, I've driven both the G35 and 328i and I felt like there was much more space in the G35 (However, I'm not over 6 foot). And there is no comparison on value, the G35 is a winner hands down. That's why I've decided to get one in the near future


I currently drive a 528i, but wouldn't consider another one because of the price point, value, and performance of the G.

 

I'm 6'2", and am comfortable

I put the seat nearly all the way back and recline

My head is clear of the headliner

 

i'm 6'4" and with spiked hair i'm a good 6'6", only with the spiked hair does may hair touch the headliner. i also have to max the seat moved back and bottomed out with it reclined far back. my only issue in doing so is my broad shoulders have less than an inch before hitting the side pillar. my left elbow doesn't rest comfortably on the left armrest as a result. i find the g to be pretty accommodating overall for big/tall drivers. i test drove a new pathfinder and it didn't feel nearly as roomy as the g. and from what i hear/read, the g has the most interior room in it's class. good luck!

 

6'3" here and absolutely no issues with height; some with the width of the sport seats.

 

I'm 6'2" and fit fine in the G, although I could probably use a little more shoulder room. Before I purchased the G, I also seriously considered a 335 sedan. The G is definitely roomier than the 3 series.

 

and feel that the G is perfectly big enough for me. I drive with the seat all the way back and the seat reclined a bit (that is how I've always driven).

I briefly considered the 3-series sedan and, compared with the G, it was cramped. The 3-series is much smaller inside and the back seats seemed virtually unusable. The IS350 is even worse.

 

6"3" here, have to put the drivers seat almost to the end. Only Problem I have is only people under 5"4" confortably fit behind me. Almost got an M35 because of this particular reason. But once test driving the G, it had me sold. And yes the IS and 3-series is a lot smaller. TL is slightly better, but the FWD kills it.

 

I'm 6'3" about 225lbs. Height is fine, but like james said, not a lot of room behind me. The only issue I had was with the sport seats. They dug into my thigh too much. I had to settle for the tire/wheel pkg for my G35x and not the sport pkg. Why are the side sills not an option with all models??

 

Another 6-2 G owner here with pleanty of head and leg room. The G has more room than any of the other cars I considered (3 series, is, c, & tl). Next time you are at the dealership take some time to play with all the seat adjustments and I feel confident you will find a combination that works for you. If necessary you can do as someone else suggested and skip the sunroof to get some extra headroom, but realize that will mean giving up the rest of the premium and nav functions as well.

 

Yeah I'm 6'0" but have longer legs, 34" inseam. I have plenty of room behind me to backup further but it's still a tight squeeze for passengers behind me.

Long story, no one will be able to sit behind you.