I have a 98 328 and I can suck many an asshole up - if I needed too - that said I hate the new body style for BMW (1999-now) and the car has lost its *in the cockpit* road hugging appeal and you just can't compare the performance. (couldn't tell you what they changed but you can tell the difference)
I would only recommend a 92-98 3 series (stick is a must if it's a 323)
The G35 - looks pretty sleek I must say - can't comment as I've never driven one. I would suggest you check out what your insurance will be before you have your heart set on one.
Personally there are only two cars on the road now I want.
go with ze germans. Check out audis... i'm actually very impressed with the new audis. My roommate just got a new a4 with the v6 and 6 sp manual... it fking rips. And he still gets around 20mpg.