Mountain Drive
   Dragon Overlook
   Dragon Drive
   Deals Gap
   Bridal Falls
   Horse Cove

Greenville
   Mariott Parking Lot
   Downtown Greenville
   Factory Tech Tent
   Z3s on the Lawn
   Zentrum
   Performance Center
   Concept Cars
   Factory Tour
   Saturday Dinner

The factory was a lot different from the last time I took the official factory tour. The X5 has its own assembly line, however the Z3 and X5 still share the paint shop. I forget the exact amount but for every Z3 made 3 or 4 X5s are made, I didn't realize the X5 was selling that well.

Z3 assembly is around 70% by hand while the X5 assembly is around 70% by robot. I assume the difference has more to do with when the assembly line was designed rather than the design of the vehicles themselves. I wonder what the ratio will be for the next Z3.

I looked everywhere trying to catch a glimpse of the next Z3, rumor was that one was there the week before for paint testing. However if it was there it was well hidden from sight. Last year the "secret" was the 2001 M with its new engine, and we got to see them in the factory.

Photos by Steve Fincher.