🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Year:

1997

Chassis Code:

BD/BG/BK

Engine Codes:

EJ22E, EJ25D

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1997 Subaru Legacy represented Subaru's entry into the mid-size sedan and wagon market, emphasizing its signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and horizontally opposed 'Boxer' engines.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against established players like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Ford Taurus, differentiating itself with standard AWD and a reputation for durability and capability in varied weather conditions.

Key Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, reliable Boxer engines, practical wagon variant, comfortable ride, and distinctive Subaru build quality.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Mechanical:

Yes

Engine Performance:

Yes

Fuel System:

Yes

Exhaust System:

Yes

Cooling System:

Yes

Ignition System:

Yes

Transmission Manual:

Yes

Transmission Automatic:

Yes

Drivetrain AWD:

Yes

Suspension Front:

Yes

Suspension Rear:

Yes

Steering System:

Yes

Brake System:

Yes

Electrical System:

Yes

Lighting System:

Yes

Body Exterior:

Yes

Body Interior:

Yes

HVAC System:

Yes

Troubleshooting:

Yes

Diagnostics:

Yes

Wiring Diagrams:

Yes

Page Count:

Comprehensive (Estimated 1500+ pages for a complete set)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (Likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered Detail:

All mechanical, electrical, powertrain, chassis, and body systems.

Procedures Included Detail:

Detailed step-by-step repair procedures, diagnostic routines, component removal and installation, component testing, specifications, and torque values for all major systems.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance and fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body panel repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or sections.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Variant:

2.2L DOHC 16-Valve Boxer (EJ22E)

Engine 1 Displacement:

2212 cc (135.0 cu in)

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

96.9 mm x 75.0 mm

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

9.5:1

Engine 1 Horsepower:

135 hp @ 5600 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

138 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Engine 2 Variant:

2.5L DOHC 16-Valve Boxer (EJ25D) - Phase 2 Engine

Engine 2 Displacement:

2457 cc (149.9 cu in)

Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:

99.5 mm x 80.0 mm

Engine 2 Compression Ratio:

9.7:1

Engine 2 Horsepower:

165 hp @ 5600 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel System Type:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Performance Notes:

Boxer engine design offers a low center of gravity for improved handling. SOHC (EJ22E) and DOHC (EJ25D) configurations available.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Standard:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Optional:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (with Electronic Control)

Transmission Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with viscous coupling center differential. Certain models may feature electronically controlled AWD with automatic transmission.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior Length:

Approx. 180.5 inches (4585 mm) for Sedan; Approx. 183.7 inches (4666 mm) for Wagon

Exterior Width:

Approx. 67.9 inches (1725 mm)

Exterior Height:

Approx. 55.7 inches (1415 mm) for Sedan; Approx. 57.1 inches (1450 mm) for Wagon

Wheelbase:

104.3 inches (2649 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 6.1 inches (155 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3000-3300 lbs (1360-1500 kg) depending on trim and configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 4400 lbs (2000 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings Notes:

NHTSA ratings for 1997 models are not readily available in a standardized format, but the Legacy was generally considered a safe vehicle for its era.

Active Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction and stability.

Passive Features:

Driver and front passenger airbags, front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams, 3-point seatbelts with pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speakers typically located in front doors and rear parcel shelf.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by era; primarily reliant on the mechanical grip and stability provided by the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. No advanced electronic driver aids.

Connectivity Features:

N/A for this model year, basic audio connectivity only.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years (critical for EJ25D engine to prevent catastrophic failure).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH certified SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with Subaru additive

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-5 SAE 75W-90

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Subaru ATF-HP or Dexron II/III

Differential Fluid Front Rear:

API GL-5 SAE 75W-90

Known Issues Detail:

Head gasket leaks (especially on EJ25D), timing belt failure (crucial to adhere to replacement schedule), CV joint wear, occasional electrical gremlins, front suspension component wear.

Oil Filter Part Number:

e.g., Subaru 15208AA020, Fram PH7317, Wix 51365

Air Filter Part Number:

e.g., Subaru 16546AA002, Fram CA8720, Wix 42165

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Fuji Heavy Industries, has a history rooted in aviation and a reputation for producing durable, capable vehicles, particularly known for its pioneering use of All-Wheel Drive in passenger cars.

Model Evolution 1997:

The 1997 model year marked the final year of the second generation (BD/BG/BK) Subaru Legacy, which debuted in 1990. This generation saw the introduction of the more powerful 2.5L EJ25D engine and significant styling updates over its lifespan.

Production Location:

Subaru's main assembly plants in Gunma, Japan.

Production Years:

Second Generation: 1990-1997

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions Notes:

While specific awards for the 1997 model are not prominently documented, the Legacy line consistently received praise for its AWD capabilities and value proposition in the mid-size segment during the late 1990s.