I did a lot of searching on this topic since I have this problem on a 2005 325 XI.
Seems it's a poor design with a weak spring from the factory. Dealer replace well over $250. One guy replaced all 5 in his car himself and had the same problem afterwards.
One guy fixed his but extending it all the way and washing thoroughly with light detergent and hot water. Spray upholstery cleaner might work if you rinse it well and dry it. He used a vice grip to hold it in the extended position for cleaning and drying. The pot of water the one guy used was pretty filthy so they do collect dirt, dust, and sweat over time.
This should "improve" it and I'll be trying that tonight.
Good luck
how do you replace seatbelt retractor on a 2000 chevy blazer
Yes. Not a chain.
ELR - Emergency Locking Retractor..Seat Belt Retract you when you face collision.
bad retractor
how do u tighten up an alternator belt on a 1987 BMW 325i?Answerhow do u tighten up an alternator belt on a 1987 BMW 325i?
it has chain
Pull the vinyl cover off of the seat belt, then roll the seat belt back on the roller.
there is a recall for this
replave retractor
Put your seat belt on. if that doesn't work (i suspect if you're asking that it doesn't) the problem is either in the drivers seatbelt receiver, which has a switch that turns the light off when you put the belt in it, or the retractor which has a sensor for the same purpose. you can turn the light off by finding out which is bad and replacing it.
The 2.5 liter - 6 cylinder engine - in a 2003 BMW 325i has a timing CHAIN
These parts are only fixed by replacement.