🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Year:

1999

Chassis Codes:

BD, BG, BK

Generation:

Second Generation (2nd Gen)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1999 Subaru Legacy represented Subaru's mid-size offering, competing against established players like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima, with a focus on its signature All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system and practical, durable design.

Competitive Analysis:

While competitors often focused on refinement and a smoother ride, the Legacy differentiated itself with standard AWD (on most models), a reputation for reliability in adverse conditions, and a distinct boxer engine character.

Key Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), horizontally opposed (boxer) engine, comfortable ride, practical interior, sedan and wagon body styles.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All mechanical, electrical, and body systems for the 1999 Subaru Legacy

Page Count:

Estimated 2000+ pages (typical for full factory service manuals)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (mechanical, fuel, ignition, cooling, lubrication), Transmission (manual & automatic), Drivetrain (AWD system, differentials, axles), Suspension, Steering, Brakes (ABS, conventional), Climate Control, Electrical System (wiring diagrams, components), Body & Chassis, Interior, Diagnostics & Troubleshooting, Emission Control Systems

Engine Mechanical:

Cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod removal/installation, crankshaft removal/installation, valve train (camshafts, lifters, valves), timing belt and chain system, engine block assembly, oil pump, oil pan, lubrication system.

Fuel And Emissions:

Fuel injection system components (injectors, fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator), throttle body, intake manifold, emission control systems (EGR, PCV, charcoal canister), oxygen sensors, catalytic converter diagnostics.

Ignition System:

Ignition coils, spark plugs, high-tension leads, distributor (if applicable to specific engine variant), ignition timing adjustment, ECU ignition control.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, scheduled maintenance, disassembly and reassembly, component testing, diagnostic procedures, electrical troubleshooting, repair procedures, specifications, torque values, diagrams, replacement procedures, adjustments, calibrations

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic flowcharts.

Cooling System:

Radiator, coolant hoses, thermostat, water pump, cooling fans, heater core, coolant capacity and specifications, troubleshooting coolant leaks.

Drivetrain:

Front and rear differentials, CV joints and axles, propeller shaft, AWD system components (transfer case, viscous coupling), wheel bearings, hub assemblies.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake caliper service, brake pad replacement, rotor replacement, brake bleeding procedure, master cylinder service, ABS modulator unit, parking brake system, brake fluid specifications and replacement.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, sway bars, bushings), power steering system (pump, rack and pinion, hoses), wheel alignment specifications, steering wheel and column service.

Electrical System:

Complete wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), instrument cluster and gauges, power windows, door locks, mirrors, audio system, fuse box locations and identification, relay functions, body control module (BCM) if applicable.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, receiver/drier), refrigerant types and capacities, HVAC control panel, blower motor, heater control valve, troubleshooting AC and heater system issues.

Body And Chassis:

Exterior body panel removal and installation (fenders, hood, doors, bumpers), interior trim removal, glass replacement, door hinges and latches, body repair specifications, chassis lubrication points, rust prevention.

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Detailed diagnostic flowcharts for common symptoms, OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) codes and their meanings, component testing procedures, wiring harness continuity checks, fuel pressure testing, compression testing, vacuum testing.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Searchable PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans for clear text and diagrams

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine Options:

2.2L EJ22E SOHC Flat-4, 2.5L EJ25D DOHC Flat-4

2.2L Ej22E Horsepower:

135 hp @ 5800 rpm

2.2L Ej22E Torque:

140 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

2.5L Ej25D Horsepower:

165 hp @ 6000 rpm

2.5L Ej25D Torque:

162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel System:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Engine Layout:

Horizontally Opposed (Boxer)

Bore X Stroke 2.2L:

96.0 mm x 75.0 mm

Bore X Stroke 2.5L:

99.5 mm x 79.0 mm

Compression Ratio 2.2L:

9.5:1

Compression Ratio 2.5L:

10.1:1

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (5MT)

Optional Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Standard on most models)

Automatic AWD Coupling:

Viscous coupling AWD with electronically controlled clutch pack on 4EAT models

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Subaru Extra MT Gear Oil (75W-90 GL-5) or equivalent

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF-HP (or Dexron III compatible fluid)

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

186.0 inches (4724 mm)

Length Wagon:

187.0 inches (4750 mm)

Width:

67.1 inches (1704 mm)

Height Sedan:

54.7 inches (1390 mm)

Height Wagon:

56.1 inches (1425 mm)

Wheelbase:

104.3 inches (2649 mm)

Ground Clearance:

5.9 inches (150 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

3000 - 3300 lbs (1360 - 1500 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Approx:

4300 - 4500 lbs (1950 - 2040 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

Not Rated (at time of manufacture)

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

Not Rated (at time of manufacture)

Active Safety Features:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD), Four-wheel disc brakes (on higher trims/optional), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) (optional on some models)

Passive Safety Features:

Dual front airbags, crumple zones, side-impact door beams, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player, basic digital clock. Speaker configuration varied by trim level.

Driver Assistance Features:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was an option on select models. Cruise control was standard on many trims.

Connectivity Features:

Limited connectivity by modern standards; primarily focused on audio input. No Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Power outlets for accessories.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe driving) / 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal driving) using synthetic oil.

Engine Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 miles or 36 months

Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:

Every 30,000 miles or 36 months

Transmission Fluid Change Interval Manual:

Every 60,000 miles or 72 months

Timing Belt Replacement Interval:

105,000 miles or 105 months (critical due to interference engine design)

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG/SH, SAE 5W-30 (or 10W-30 in warmer climates)

Engine Oil Capacity 2.2L:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter

Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L:

4.7 US quarts (4.4 L) with filter

Coolant Specification:

Subaru Super Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, typically pink or blue)

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Known Issues:

Head gasket leaks (especially on EJ25D), oil leaks from various seals, valve cover gasket leaks, front strut mount wear, catalytic converter failure (older models), AC system leaks, power steering pump issues, minor electrical gremlins.

Timing Belt Tensioner:

Recommended replacement of timing belt tensioner and idler pulleys during belt service due to potential failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation, has a long history of engineering innovation, particularly known for its boxer engines and the pioneering development and popularization of All-Wheel Drive (AWD) in passenger vehicles.

Model Evolution:

The 1999 Legacy is part of the second generation, introduced for the 1995 model year. This generation saw significant styling updates, improved safety, and the introduction of the more powerful 2.5L engine. It was available in sedan and wagon body styles.

Production Location:

Gunma Plant, Japan

Production Years For Generation:

1995-1999

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The Subaru Legacy series has consistently been praised for its safety, reliability in adverse weather due to AWD, and value proposition. Specific awards for the 1999 model year are less prominent than later generations, but it generally maintained Subaru's reputation for dependable, all-condition transportation.