two different tire treads

[thisdavidg]

Hey guys,
I just realized that I have two different tire treads on my car. I have the pzero nero m+s 18". (1616 and 1617 I think). Right now in the back the same tread is on both tires and same for the front. Another problem is that the direction for the tread on the left and right tires are facing opposite directions at both the front and back of car.

I think that Americas tire should be responsible for this mishap. Do you think it would be to much to ask for all new tires? I don't want uneven tread wear since the tires have been spinning in opposite directions for at least 10,000 miles.

I bought these tires at Americas tires. Should I try:
to get all new tires facing the same direction or
have two of the tires remounted to face the proper direction.

thanks in advance

[thisdavidg]

btw this is concerning my 96 328i. Are the pirelli tires (pzero nero suppose to be directional or not?

[mperfct]

I don't think tires wear funny if you run them in the wrong direction. I believe your braking/cornering performance is hampered however.

I don't understand why your fronts and rears have different tread patterns...they are the same brand/model, right? I thought only mountain bikers and motorcyclists ran different patterns front and rear.

[thisdavidg]

the tires are all identical except for one set of tires says TK 1617 and the other TK1616. The strangest thing is that basically the passenger side tires are facing one way and the driver side tires are facing the opposite way.

[mperfct]

I really have no idea then. I'd check with the Tire Rack guys. They know tires and BMW's better than anyone else.

[Tireguy]

Which America's Tire did you go to?

Pirelli Pzero Neros are asymmetrical, not directional.
What #'s are you looking at? Are they the DOT or serial #?

Definitely check with TireRack:rolleyes I'm sure they see a lot of BMW's come through their warehouse.

It's funny how some of you think you're a tire expert just because you've read an article or two. Just because you've bought a couple of sets, doesn't make you an expert.

I've been going to the doctor since I was a baby. It doesn't give a PHD in medicine. Therefore, I don't give medical advice.

[adamsweis]

I have the same question now.

I just mounted new Pirelli P Zeros and the right side tread faces down while the left side up but each tire reads outside label.

I am hoping this is how they are supposed to be? Since they are not directional?

[slocar]

This thread would be so much better and easier to decipher if someone would post a picture of the tread so that we know what we're discussing.

Saying "tread faces down" and "tread faces up" means nothing to me. :dunno

[dublife]

They are not directional, if they say outside on the outside they are mounted just fine.

The outside is a different compound for cornering traction and a curb protector. The inside is better for all season wet action

this pic will make more sense to describe the above

http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/6316/ttp0neros.jpg