maybe you shoudl go for hte new m5 (V10) or the upcoming M3 (rumored to be a v8)
nah, in all seriousness - the 200,000klm car that you drove probably wasnt serviced well. Drive a few more if you are stil linterested. Keep in mind tho the 1996 models had only 210 kws. The next model had 250kws odd....
Go to a BMW dealership and check the cars there - get a feel for it - even though they are more expensive, chances are those cars are in better condition....