So, I'm in the middle of replacing the exhaust manifold gaskets on my 300E, and I'm wondering if I should also replace all of the manifold studs as well. One needs to be replaced because it snapped off with the nut, but I'm concerned about the others snapping off flush with (or inside) the head.

Also, if I should replace the studs, do they take anti-seize where they go into the head? And do they just screw in hand tight?

Thanks,
Anthony

If the studs are in good shape, and the nuts screw on them easily, probably no reason to replace all of them. Probably the biggest problem is overtorqueing the nuts. I couldn't ever find the torque specs in the MB engine manual, but these are small bolts, so I useed about 15 ft-lb.
Anti-sieze is always a good idea on studs going into aluminum.
I just screw them in snug, then oil the nuts and screw them in to 15 lb-ft, no problems.
If you're worried about breaking on off in the head, you could pull them all out, clean and anti-sieze, then re-install just snugly. then if one broke, you copuld probably get it out more easily.

DG

Thanks, I ended up just replacing the one that was broken. After it took me almost an hour getting that one out, I decided I should probably leave well enough alone with the other ones. No problem getting the nuts back on them.

I still have that damn ticking sound though, not yet sure whether it's a couple of worn lifters, or because I didn't clean up the mating surfaces well enough...