Zeggate,
Sounds like the small gear on the drive unit is stripped. I had a '93CE and now a '97CL500. I love the extenders and the look on a new passengers face when the arm comes out! Any way, I bought a metal gear from a company on the East Coast for $75. Works great, but with a little noise. Mercedes does not offer this gear, only the complete assy for about $700! If you want the name of the company, answer this and I will start digging.
Anziani
'97 CL500 147K
'95 E420 134K