This article as well - link below plus PDF attached:
This essential component is still evolving in design, materials and service. Use only genuine Mercedes-Benz spark plugs to avoid engine failure.
automotivetechinfo.com
To Anti-seize or Not
That is the question! Many technicians, especially those who have experience with air cooled engines, advocate using an anti-seize product on the threads of the spark plugs. The reasoning behind the practice is due to the nature of the two dissimilar metals — the steel outer jacket of the spark plug and the aluminum alloy of the cylinder head — there can be expansion and contraction between the different metals and spark plugs tend to get “stuck” in the cylinder head and even break off, necessitating a costly repair.
According to NGK (and others echo the same thing), their spark plugs feature tri-valent plating. This silver or chrome-colored finish on the threads is designed to provide corrosion resistance against moisture and chemicals. The coating also acts as a release agent during spark plug removal. NGK spark plugs are installed at the factory dry, without lubrication or anti-seize.
Anti-seize can act as a lubricant, altering torque values by up to 20 percent, increasing the risk of spark plug thread breakage, metal shell stretch, and/or incorrect indexing. Thread breakage can sometimes involve removing the cylinder head for repair. Metal shell stretch changes the heat rating of the spark plug and can result in serious engine damage caused by pre-ignition. Bottom line: Do not use anti-seize or lubricant on spark plug threads. It is completely unnecessary and can be detrimental. If you were taught to use anti-seize, now you know better and need to stop.
So there you have it: The humble spark plug has more to it than meets the eye. Use the right plug for the application, pay attention to the basics, keep that torque wrench handy, and your customers will never need to worry about a spark plug as a source of trouble.