So I got my new SC and understand that keeping a black car looking nice takes more work. Unfortunately my apartment complex doesn't have hose hookups so I cant wash the car myself.

I want to do everything to avoid the tiny scratches that can result from improper washing. The car wash I used to go to uses a machine to wash and dries the car with a shammy, do you think that will be too rough on the car? Or should I opt for one of the touchless washes where they just blast it with soapy water and dry with air?

+1

To ensure that you get the car clean, you'll have to use something to physically scrub away the accumulated dirt/deposits/etc.

With commercial washes, you're faced with a catch-22: go through the "touchless" car washes that won't remove everything and still leave dirt, or use a commercial wash that "touches" you car. Because their equipment has to last for hundreds if not thousands of washes, the "touch" washes are usually harsher than they need to be which ends up damaging your finish.

Touchless are fine if you need to remove a heavy layer of dirt or road spray, but they won't get the film of dirt that remains.

So as has been stated, go to a wash bay with a bucket and microfiber sponge, and do it yourself (don't use the brush at the wash). Some washes won't let you hand wash, but find one that does. Your E's finish will thank you and you'll end up with a much better and longer-lasting result.

Look for a car wash or detail shop that does a hand wash, or take it to a do it yourself coin-op wash (take your own wash mitt, their "foaming brush" is probably covered with grease).

Thanks for the tips everyone. I'll find a local coin wash and do it myself. Which is probably better anyway, because I have NEVER paid for a car wash that meets my standards of cleanliness.