[Joe-BMW33]

$1,600 sounds about right for a multi-step paint correction and a quality ceramic. I am not familar with the ceramic product you mention. I have had a Ceramic Pro done on other cars and I am getting a Kamikaze Ceramic done the week after next. I also have Carbon Black Metallic and I honestly don't have too many swirls, more like spiders here and there. I am as OCD as they come, you are doing the right thing. My car has never been through and automatic wash and I honestly keep it so clean that I can clean is with Opti Clean which is a waterless wash. It's almost impossible to not develop something. Even wiping it down with Opti Clean can cause swirls if it's got enough dirt on it.

Two bucket system is great, but a foam gun and a power washer followed by a Ego 765CFM blower will keep your new ceramic pristine. I am going to lay off the Opti Clean or any other type of hand cleaner/detailer after the ceramic. As my detailer said, you either wash it correctly or leave it dirty.

It sounds like your car will need three passes. Do a wheels off Ceramic. The wheels and calipers will clean off like butter. This pic was after a coat of Gtechnic C2V3 which is what you should use on the ceramic, you have to do something contrary to what he said. This product is easy and fast.