[Kalle]

I actually turned down a proposal from MB Sweden to buy one of the first E55 AMG ever to be delivered to Sweden. I has a good company discount and in addition, as I'm a expat Swede, so I can re-export it to Lithuania without taxes! My net price should have been only 68.000 USD - A bargain...

Why did I not take it:

1) As it should be my incentive car from my employer was 68.000 USD anyway exceeding my limits and I had to personally compensate the difference. I should also have a lot of hazzle in the customs etc and I do not have the time for this unfortunately. And what about the Rumours - I should have problems with all jelaous looks from my collegues...

2)I needed to sell my SLK 32 AMG to finance the gap between my companys incentive limits and the net price. I want a weekend car as well (and this preferably as a Cab in the summer) and by selling my SLk should make me without one.

3) The streets in Lithuania is not safe enough for a car like this. I should be heavily exposed to car-jacking and theft. My SLK is not attractive for the East-european maffiagangs at all. Its to small and hence can I have it in peace! The E 55 is the opposite - Large, spacious and extremely speedy - This are exactly the car for the mob, which will want it badly as it will not come to Lithuania until summer, 2003.

4) I ordered a E 320 Classic with a lot of extras instead - This will make me anjoy my little benz for some more years instead! And this will also make me want to particiapte here in the future!

So I hope you agree that I made the right choice - even though I sometimes dream about the E 55 AMG...