The gauge may be off.
How much fuel did you put in versus how much the tank holds?. It's possible you were running out.
Did the same thing on my 240, mine just would start at the station it ran out just as Ipulled in. thank God for the little pump. Also not a good idea sucking the stuff off the bottom.

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Ricali

03 C240 4matic wagon
95 300E 234,000
7 prior 240;s 5 still going
81 300sd gone
65 230sl gone
49 Studebaker Champion
90BMW convert.167,000
60 Dodge D-100