🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Liberty

Generation:

BH/BE/BP/BL (often referred to as the Liberty in Australia and New Zealand, Legacy in other markets)

Chassis Codes:

BE (sedan), BH (wagon), BP (sedan, facelift), BL (wagon, facelift)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size sedan and wagon, known for its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system and boxer engine configuration.

Competitors:

Competed against models like the Toyota Camry/Aurion, Mazda 6, Holden Commodore/Calais, Ford Falcon/Fairmont, Mitsubishi Magna/Verada.

AWD:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a key differentiator in its class, offering enhanced traction and stability.

Engine Layout:

Horizontally opposed 'Boxer' engines, contributing to a lower center of gravity and improved handling.

Body Styles:

Available as a sedan (BE/BP) and a versatile wagon (BH/BL).

📋 Manual Details

Regions Covered:

Primarily Australian and New Zealand market specifics, but technical content is largely universal to global Legacy models of the same generation.

Estimated Page Count:

N/A (PDF format, variable display)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed repair, overhaul, and troubleshooting for all engine variants including EJ251, EJ253, EJ202, EJ204 (naturally aspirated and turbocharger variants where applicable).

Transmission:

Repair, overhaul, and diagnostics for both 5-speed manual (e.g., TY754, TY755) and 4-speed automatic (e.g., 4EAT) transmissions, including AWD system integration.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system components, including differentials, driveshafts, and coupling systems.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems (MacPherson strut front, Multi-link rear), alignment procedures, component replacement, and troubleshooting.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes, ABS), hydraulic systems, component replacement, bleeding procedures, and parking brake.

Steering:

Power steering system, rack and pinion, steering column, troubleshooting and repair.

Electrical:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams, lighting systems, starter, alternator, battery, ignition system, charging system, and diagnostic procedures.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement, and troubleshooting.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel repair, interior trim removal, glass replacement, structural components, and underbody components.

Emissions Control:

Emission control systems, oxygen sensors, catalytic converters, and related components.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, and pressure regulation.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and coolant specifications.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, muffler, and pipework.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, spark plug replacement, belt replacement.

Troubleshooting:

System-specific diagnostic flowcharts, common fault identification, and repair strategies.

Repair Overhaul:

Step-by-step instructions for engine, transmission, brake, suspension, and steering system component removal, rebuilding, and reinstallation.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) code interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing, and electrical system diagnostics.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, critical component clearances, and measurement guidelines.

Component Replacement:

Detailed procedures for replacing virtually all wear items and major components.

Body Repair:

Minor bodywork, panel alignment, and sealing procedures.

Electrical Repair:

Wiring harness repair, connector servicing, and component electrical testing.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including in-depth electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Typically searchable text-based PDF, allowing for quick keyword lookups.

Printability:

Designed for printing, with clear diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Typical:

EJ251 (2.5L naturally aspirated)

Engine Type:

Horizontally Opposed (Boxer), 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve

Displacement Cc:

2498 cc (for EJ251)

Bore X Stroke Mm:

99.5 mm x 80.0 mm (for EJ251)

Compression Ratio:

9.7:1 (for EJ251)

Horsepower Ps Kw:

Approx. 165-170 PS (121-125 kW) at 5600-6000 rpm (for EJ251)

Torque Nm:

Approx. 220-230 Nm at 3500-4000 rpm (for EJ251)

Engine Options:

EJ202 (2.0L NA), EJ204 (2.0L NA DOHC), EJ251 (2.5L NA), EJ253 (2.5L NA, updated), EJ255 (2.5L Turbocharged - GT/GTB models), EJ205 (2.0L Turbocharged - GT/GTB models).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Petrol (RON 91-95 recommended, higher for turbocharged variants)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Coolant Capacity Litres:

Approx. 6.0 - 6.5 Litres (depending on engine and radiator)

Oil Capacity Litres Filter Change:

Approx. 4.0 - 4.5 Litres (for 2.5L engines)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

5-speed Manual Transmission (with AWD)

Transmission Type Opt:

4-speed Automatic Transmission with Electronic Control (4EAT) (with AWD)

AWD System Type:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Viscous coupling centre differential for manual, electronically controlled clutch for automatic).

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

GL-5 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 (or equivalent)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Subaru ATF HP (or Dexron III compatible)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Mm:

Approx. 2650 mm

Length Mm:

Sedan: Approx. 4720-4750 mm; Wagon: Approx. 4745-4785 mm

Width Mm:

Approx. 1750-1770 mm

Height Mm:

Sedan: Approx. 1420-1435 mm; Wagon: Approx. 1475-1485 mm

Curb Weight Kg:

Approx. 1400-1550 kg (depending on engine and trim)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:

N/A (Vehicle specific)

Towing Capacity Kg:

Typically unbraked 500kg, braked 1200kg (check local regulations and vehicle plate)

Wheel Size Standard:

15-inch or 16-inch alloy wheels

Tire Size Standard:

205/60 R15, 205/55 R16, 215/50 R17 (depending on trim)

Bolt Pattern:

5x100 mm

Offset Et:

ET45-ET48 (typical)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ancap Rating:

2001: 4 Stars (for BH Liberty Wagon)

ABS:

Standard on most models, Anti-lock Braking System.

Traction Control:

Available on some higher trims (TCS).

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags and curtain airbags available on higher trims or later models.

Seatbelts:

Pre-tensioner seatbelts with load limiters for front occupants.

Child Seat Anchors:

ISOFIX/LATCH anchor points in rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted AM/FM radio with CD player. Higher trims may feature premium sound systems with more speakers.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation systems were available on some top-tier models.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Bluetooth:

Not typically factory fitted for this period. Aftermarket solutions common.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Recommended every 10,000 km or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 30,000 km or 24 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 60,000 km for standard plugs, 100,000 km for platinum or iridium plugs.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for EJ25 engines. Recommended replacement every 100,000 km or 5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH/SJ or ACEA A2/A3, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific climate recommendations).

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent long-life ethylene glycol-based coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Head Gaskets:

While less prevalent than on some earlier Subaru models, head gasket leaks can still occur on EJ25 engines. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.

Automatic Transmission Issues:

The 4EAT transmission can sometimes exhibit delayed engagement or slipping if not properly maintained. Regular fluid changes are critical.

Rear Wheel Bearings:

Can be prone to wear, leading to humming or grinding noises. The manual covers diagnosis and replacement.

Cv Joints:

Front and rear CV joints can wear, especially if the protective boots are damaged. The manual details inspection and replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Fuji Heavy Industries, has a long history of automotive manufacturing, particularly known for its boxer engines and All-Wheel Drive technology, stemming from its aerospace origins.

Liberty Legacy Evolution:

The BH/BE generation (1998-2003) was the third generation of the Subaru Legacy globally, which was marketed as the Liberty in Australia and New Zealand. It represented a significant styling and engineering update, moving to a more rounded and aerodynamic design. A facelift occurred in 2001, introducing updated styling and some mechanical revisions, leading to the BP/BL chassis codes.

Production Years:

1998 - 2003 (This specific generation, with facelifts extending into 2004 in some markets).

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan (Gunma Plant).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Reputation:

The Subaru Liberty/Legacy of this era was generally well-regarded for its AWD capability, robust engine, and comfortable ride, particularly in Australia where it was a strong performer in the mid-size market.