I guess that would depend on the condition of the paint. Compund, as I understand the use of the term, is usually for heavily oxidized, swirled, scratched paint, and is one step up from color sanding. Either way you are removing finish.

If you are into doing it yourself, buy a Porter Cable random orbital buffer for $130, 3 sets of pads at $10 each, and then follow the steps in Lee's Detailing FAQs under the DIY section. These gave me the best results consistent with removing the least finish. Start with the least abrasive product that does the job - you can always go more abrasive products.

Most of the Car wash detailers I have seen start with a quick-and-dirty abrasive that saves them surface prep time, then slap on a wax. Using the FAQs and Porter Cable, you can wash, clay, de-swirl, polish, and wax/zaino your car in 1/2 - 1 day, and it just gets better each time it is done.

Otherwise, go to the pros, and not necessarily the dealer. Even then, read the above FAQs so you can be informed when you ask them to describe each step of what he/she will do, what products they use, and for references. Have fun!

__________________
John

2003 Firemist Red/grey leather SL 500
2015 Palladium Silver/black mbtex GLK 350
1987 Smoke Silver/burgundy mbtex 300E Sportline (SOLD)

Click to see 87 300E