New to me, had it all checked out, new tires, new windshield, detailed in/out: 1988 300 SE, W126 i6 - finally drove it today - filled it full of premium gas and off I go.

First I notice, slow off the stop, gas pedal feels fat - I'm pressing on the gas, but slow to respond - once it starts, off it goes! I moved my seat up, but now my knees are knocking on the underside - so that can't work.

Second, I notice, didn't travel very far (70 km) but wow, did the gas gauge move to nearly a 1/4 tank less!

So wonder if the two are connected or just isolated.

Changed the air filter, running synthetic oil (as the previous owner did) premium gas and everything else checked out on the inspection.

Spark plugs were in excellent condition and high quality
Replaced the cylinder wires (old)
idle adjusted
Must prime to start, but seems to start easier and easier each time.

TIA for insight and ideas.

__________________
1988 Mercedes Benz 300 SE, W126, 184,986 km
1989 BMW 535i, E34, 351,000 km