My first impression after reading your post is that you need to invest in some high quality microfibers for wiping the car down. Rags can easily be the cause of the scratches your seeing. Expect to pay $5.00ea for a nice microfiber, I would buy at leat 4. I would also recommend a 100% cotton towel made in the USA for drying the car after a wash. Foreign made towels aren't always 100% cotton even if their labels states they are.

To remove light surface scratches you can try products like Meguiars Swirl Free Polish, Einzett 1Z Paint Polish or other products designed to be used by hand. Color X also has some abilities to remove scratches by hand and is readily available at auto stores.

If the scratches are deeper you may need to use a DA Polisher and a product like Meguiars Dual Action Cleaner Polish and or 3M Finesse It II. Use a high quality foam polishing pad, you'll find good ones at any auto paint/body supply. Remove the residue with the Microfiber cloth.

Follow these steps with your favorite wax applied with a yellow foam pad by hand and removed with a Microfiber cloth.

Good luck.

__________________
Afshin

Current:
02 C32 AMG

Previous:
92 500E
84 190E 2.3 5 Spd