Hi John
Current pick-up in analogue operation is OK with both pantographs up.
In digital operation it is both un-needed and not working properly (a lot of digital information gets lost because of electrical noise).
Seems to me that many manufacturers use long spiral springs.
Some brand adjusted the spring force to a minimum for the visual effect and not efficient current pick-up all this to keep the wear of the pantograph head (the one sliding on the catenary).
It can be easily fixed by reducing the number of loops in the spring and folding the last loop at a 90° angle. This will increase the force on the pantograph head but also increase its wear.
Note: I doubt Märklin does its own pantographs
Sommerfeldt is a pantograph manufacturer and may be (not sure) a subcontractor to Märklin.
See here if you look for a replacement. https://www.sommerfeldt.de/de/
Cheers
Jean

Sommerfeldt has been the go-to OEM manufacturer for model train companies, starting with Fleischmann, then Liliput and finally also Maerklin. Roco has been making it's own models since the Rowa days. Other companies currently making their own pantographs include LS Models, ACME and Liliput-Bachmann (some recent models).

In addition to the models made for OEM customers, Sommerfeldt also manufactures models for it's own catalog, sometimes pretty much more detailed versions of the ones prepared for companies on spec.

Regards

Mike C