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[keithbickford]

It seems there is a great deal of confusion regarding asymmetrical and directional tires. It seems many people think that tires are either one or the other, but never both. It is important to realize they can be both directional and asymmetrical at the same time. Asymmetrical (not symmetrical) means the tires have an outer tread block that is different than the inner tread block. Many asymmetrical tires are non-directional, but not all. An asymmetrical tire could have a groove pattern that makes the tire directional. The Pirelli P Zero Corsa is one such tire.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

For most BMWs with staggered wheels, this means that you cannot rotate tires.

[Olgeezer1]

I'm going to be using a asymetrical non-directional tire on my staggered 263 wheels. I'll at least be able to rotate side to side to maximize tire life.

[keithbickford]

Good call olgeezer. it appears many tire professionals are agreeing that directionality is not a beneficial trait in tires. tread patterns (grooves) only help to shed water and circumferential grooves work best.

[VMRWheels]

Definitely important to remember that. I would never buy a directional asymmetrical tire for a staggered wheel and tire fitment... That would just be horrible IMO. I've always had the best luck with directional symmetrical tires, so that I could flip them side to side when needed. Helps to maximize the life of the tire if you're running aggressive camber settings.