🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

BP (Wagon), BL (Sedan)

Platform:

Subaru Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive platform (all-wheel drive standard)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Mid-size sedan and wagon, known for AWD and reliability.

Competitors:

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda6, Nissan Altima.

All Wheel Drive:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system enhances traction and stability in various conditions.

Engine Options:

Choice of reliable naturally aspirated or powerful turbocharged Boxer engines.

Build Quality:

Reputation for durable construction and long-term reliability.

Purpose:

To provide Subaru owners and technicians with the authoritative information needed to maintain and repair the 2008 Subaru Legacy to factory specifications.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Summary:

Comprehensive repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting for all systems of the 2008 Subaru Legacy.

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Full Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

2.5L Naturally Aspirated (EJ253), 2.5L Turbocharged (EJ255 - GT models), 3.0L Naturally Aspirated (EZ30D - 3.0R models).

Transmission:

5-speed Manual (TY756), 4-speed Automatic (43041AA240), 5-speed Automatic (TG5C7CVCAB).

Drivetrain:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials, driveshafts, axles.

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link independent suspension, coil springs, shock absorbers, control arms, stabilizers.

Brakes:

Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs (standard), front ventilated discs, rear ventilated discs (GT models). ABS, EBD, Brake Assist.

Steering:

Power-assisted rack and pinion, steering column components.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starter, ignition system, lighting, sensors, ECUs, instrument cluster, power accessories.

Body:

Body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, chassis, rust prevention.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, climate control.

Emissions:

Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EVAP system, emissions controls.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, battery maintenance.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic codes (OBD-II), symptom-based troubleshooting, common failure analysis.

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair.

Rebuilding:

Detailed engine and transmission rebuilding procedures with specifications.

Restoration:

Guidance on refurbishment of various components and systems.

Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, diagnostic flowcharts, sensor data interpretation.

Installation:

Component replacement and installation procedures.

Depth:

Advanced diagnostics, complete engine and transmission disassembly/reassembly, electrical system tracing, body repair techniques.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Print Quality:

High-resolution, printable pages.

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

2.5L Na (Ej253):

Displacement: 2.5L (2457cc), Configuration: Flat-4 (Boxer), Bore x Stroke: 99.5mm x 79mm, Compression Ratio: 10.0:1, Horsepower: 170 HP @ 5600 RPM, Torque: 170 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM, Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI).

2.5L Turbo (Ej255):

Displacement: 2.5L (2457cc), Configuration: Flat-4 (Boxer), Bore x Stroke: 99.5mm x 79mm, Compression Ratio: 8.4:1, Horsepower: 243 HP @ 5600 RPM (GT), Torque: 263 lb-ft @ 2000-5200 RPM (GT), Fuel Delivery: Sequential Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI).

3.0L Na (Ez30D):

Displacement: 3.0L (2999cc), Configuration: Flat-6 (Boxer), Bore x Stroke: 83mm x 91.4mm, Compression Ratio: 10.7:1, Horsepower: 245 HP @ 6600 RPM, Torque: 219 lb-ft @ 4200 RPM, Fuel Delivery: Sequential Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for NA, 91 octane recommended for Turbocharged models).

Fuel Pump Pressure:

Refer to manual for specific pressure values (typically 35-45 psi for NA, higher for Turbo).

Spark Plugs:

NGK Platinum (e.g., PFR6B for EJ253, PFR7B for EJ255/EZ30D).

🔧 Transmission

5Mt:

5-speed Manual Transmission (TY756 for 2.5i, TY757 for GT).

4At:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (43041AA240 for 2.5i).

5At:

5-speed Automatic Transmission (TG5C7CVCAB for 3.0R, optional on GT).

AWD System:

Active Torque Split AWD (4AT) or Variable Valve Timing AWD (5MT, 5AT).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

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

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent (Dexron III/Mercon compatible may not be suitable).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Sedan: 187.2 inches (4755 mm), Wagon: 188.4 inches (4785 mm).

Width:

70.1 inches (1780 mm).

Height:

Sedan: 57.4 inches (1458 mm), Wagon: 58.5 inches (1486 mm).

Wheelbase:

105.1 inches (2670 mm).

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3300-3700 lbs (1500-1680 kg) depending on trim and configuration.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle's VIN plate.

Cargo Volume Sedan:

Approx. 14.7 cubic feet.

Cargo Volume Wagon:

Approx. 31.1 cubic feet (seats up), 66.9 cubic feet (seats down).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash:

5-star (driver), 5-star (passenger) - for both sedan and wagon.

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for both sedan and wagon).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System.

Ebd:

Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution.

Brake Assist:

Standard Brake Assist.

Airbags:

Standard front, side-curtain, and front-seat side airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, rear 3-point seat belts.

Child Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional MP3 playback, SiriusXM Satellite Radio readiness, available Harman Kardon premium audio system.

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed GPS navigation system.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS).

Stability Control:

Standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC).

Auxiliary Input:

Standard auxiliary audio input jack.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free phone system available on select trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,750 miles (severe conditions) or 7,500 miles (normal conditions), or every 6 months.

Engine Air Filter:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months, or more frequently in dusty conditions.

Cabin Air Filter:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months.

Spark Plugs Ej253:

Every 105,000 miles (Platinum or Iridium).

Spark Plugs Ej255 Ez30D:

Every 60,000 miles (Platinum).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months (Subaru Super Coolant Blue).

Timing Belt:

For EJ engines, timing belt should be replaced every 105,000 miles or 7 years. (Note: EZ30D is a timing chain).

Engine Oil Capacity:

2.5L NA: 4.8 US quarts (4.5 L), 2.5L Turbo: 4.8 US quarts (4.5 L), 3.0L: 6.9 US quarts (6.5 L) with filter change. Use 5W-30 synthetic oil.

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant.

Head Gaskets:

While less common than on older Subaru models, head gasket leaks can still occur, particularly on EJ253 engines. Look for coolant loss or white smoke from the exhaust.

Turbo Oil Lines:

On turbocharged models (GT), inspect turbocharger oil feed lines for leaks or clogging, as this can lead to turbo damage.

Power Steering Pump:

Occasional leaks or noise from the power steering pump.

Cvt Transmission:

Not applicable to this model year; this generation used traditional automatic or manual transmissions.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Philosophy:

Subaru's heritage is deeply rooted in engineering excellence, particularly with its horizontally opposed Boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems, emphasizing safety, reliability, and capability.

Fourth Generation:

The 2008 Subaru Legacy is part of the fourth generation (2004-2009), which introduced significant styling updates, improved chassis dynamics, and enhanced safety features. The 'Baja' wagon styling was a notable characteristic.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan (Gunma Prefecture).

Sales Performance:

The Legacy has consistently been a strong performer in its segment, appreciated for its unique engineering and all-weather capability, though often selling in lower volumes than its FWD-biased competitors.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Irok Top Safety Pick:

The 2008 Subaru Legacy, with its strong crash test performance, was often considered a Top Safety Pick by organizations like the IIHS.

Consumer Reports:

Consistently ranked well by Consumer Reports for reliability and owner satisfaction, particularly the AWD system.

Fuel Economy:

EPA estimates: 2.5i (MT): 19 MPG city/26 MPG highway; 2.5i (AT): 19 MPG city/26 MPG highway; 2.5GT (MT): 18 MPG city/24 MPG highway; 3.0R (AT): 17 MPG city/23 MPG highway.