I used the 18mm open ended wrench to get the plug wires off (Thanks!, great tip). Had to use a small cresent wrench for the last plugs on both sides closest to the firewall (my 18mm was too long). Used a hammer to tap the cresent wrench once I had it on the plug wire end.
Using anti-seize was a great idea too. Couldn't quite determine how hard to torque but nothing stripped (I don't think).
One thing I did was when I put the plug wires back onto the spark plugs I started with the plug nearest the firewall and worked forward, that kept everything out of the way so I could work with the 18mm to pop them back on.
Changing the 12 plugs took me 3 freakin' hours! Those Germans need to figure out a way to allow basic maintenance in less time, this was rediculous. But thanks for all the tips, they worked great!