🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Year:

2008

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size sedan and wagon, known for its standard All-Wheel Drive system and boxer engines, competing with vehicles like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Mazda6.

Key Differentiators:

Standard AWD, horizontally opposed boxer engines offering a low center of gravity, Subaru's reputation for durability and safety.

Standard AWD:

The 2008 Legacy comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, enhancing traction and stability in various driving conditions.

Engine Layout:

The boxer engine layout contributes to a lower center of gravity, improving handling characteristics.

Safety Focus:

Subaru consistently prioritizes safety, and the 2008 Legacy reflects this with a robust safety structure and available advanced features.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive service and repair instructions for the 2008 Subaru Legacy.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 2000-3000 pages (typical for full factory service manuals).

Manual Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely Digital (PDF) given common sales formats for workshop manuals, but could also be a professionally bound print copy.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission control, engine management (ECU/ECM).

Transmission Systems:

Manual and Automatic Transmission (AT/MT) disassembly, assembly, repair, diagnosis, fluid specifications.

Drivetrain Systems:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials, drive shafts, axles, hubs.

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension components, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment.

Brake Systems:

Hydraulic system, ABS, EBD, brake pads, rotors, calipers, parking brake, bleeding procedures.

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories, power windows, mirrors, locks.

Body And Trim:

Exterior body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, body sealing.

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting charts, wiring diagrams.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, brake service, belt inspection/replacement.

Repair Procedures:

Engine component removal/installation, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, electrical component testing/replacement.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Testing sensors, actuators, circuits, fuel system diagnosis, emissions testing procedures.

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners (engine, transmission, suspension, chassis).

Special Tools:

Listing and usage instructions for specialized Subaru tools required for certain repairs.

Depth:

Extensive, covering everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics. Equivalent to factory technician-level information.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (searchable text is highly desirable for efficient navigation).

Print Quality Digital:

High resolution for clear diagrams and illustrations. Printable pages.

Binding Type Physical:

If physical: Professional binding (e.g., comb binding, saddle-stitch, or perfect binding) for durability in a workshop environment.

Paper Type Physical:

If physical: Durable paper stock, likely coated or heavy-weight, to withstand workshop conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2.5L Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4 (EJ253), 3.0L Naturally Aspirated Boxer-6 (EZ30D).

2.5L Hp:

170 hp @ 5600 rpm

2.5L Torque:

170 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

3.0L Hp:

245 hp @ 6600 rpm

3.0L Torque:

217 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher octane for optimal performance).

2.5L Engine Code:

EJ253

3.0L Engine Code:

EZ30D

Timing Belt Or Chain:

Timing belt for EJ253, Timing chain for EZ30D.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission (for 2.5i models).

Optional Transmission:

5-speed Automatic Transmission (Sportshift VTD-ASL) for 2.5i models; 5-speed Automatic Transmission (Sportshift VTD-ASL) for 3.0R models.

AWD System Type:

Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (VTD - Variable Torque Distribution for automatics, viscous center coupling for manuals).

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Subaru ATF HP (High Performance) or equivalent.

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches (2575 mm)

Length:

187.2 inches (4755 mm)

Width:

69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height:

58.1 inches (1475 mm)

Curb Weight Est 2.5I:

3350 - 3500 lbs (1520 - 1590 kg)

Curb Weight Est 3.0R:

3550 - 3700 lbs (1610 - 1680 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:

4600 - 4700 lbs (2087 - 2132 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Not typically recommended or specified for this model (light-duty sedan).

Trunk Volume Sedan Cu Ft:

Approximately 14.7 cu ft

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5 Stars

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:

5 Stars

IIHS Front Crash:

Good

IIHS Side Impact:

Good

IIHS Rear Impact:

Good

Standard Safety Features:

Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS - some models/trims).

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear).

Seatbelts:

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

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player with 4 or 6 speakers. Optional premium audio systems with subwoofer and amplifier available on higher trims. Auxiliary input jack often present.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Climate Control:

Manual or Automatic Climate Control depending on trim level.

Bluetooth:

Bluetooth hands-free phone system was an optional feature on some higher trim levels for 2008.

Keyless Entry:

Standard or optional keyless entry system.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors standard on most trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, for severe driving conditions, or 7,500 miles/12 months for normal driving (refer to manual for specific conditions and oil type).

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

At every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement Ej253:

Approx. 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type, iridium plugs recommended).

Spark Plug Replacement Ez30D:

Approx. 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type, iridium plugs recommended).

Timing Belt Replacement:

For EJ253: Every 105,000 miles or 105 months (critical replacement interval).

Coolant Flush:

Initial change at 30,000 miles, then every 15,000-30,000 miles thereafter or as recommended.

Engine Oil Type 2.5L:

SAE 0W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic (API SN or higher).

Engine Oil Type 3.0L:

SAE 5W-30 synthetic (API SN or higher).

Coolant Type:

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

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Head Gasket Leaks:

While improved over earlier generations, head gasket leaks can still be a concern, especially on the EJ253 engine if maintenance is neglected. The manual will cover inspection and replacement procedures.

Automatic Transmission Harsh Shifting:

Some Subaru automatics of this era could exhibit harsh shifting. The manual provides diagnostic steps and solenoid testing.

Power Steering Pump Noise:

Occasional reports of noisy power steering pumps, often related to fluid levels or pump wear. Manual covers fluid checks and pump replacement.

Catalytic Converter Failures:

While not universally common, catalytic converter issues can arise due to engine misfires or rich fuel conditions. Manual covers diagnosis of emission control systems.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Heritage:

Subaru, the automotive division of Fuji Heavy Industries, has a long history of producing durable vehicles, often with a focus on All-Wheel Drive and boxer engines, stemming from their aerospace engineering roots.

Legacy Fourth Generation:

The 2008 Subaru Legacy is part of the fourth generation (BP/BL), which ran from 2003 to 2009. This generation saw a significant redesign and refinement of the model, with the 2007 model year receiving a mid-cycle refresh that updated styling, interior, and powertrains.

Manufacturing Location:

Ota, Gunma, Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

The 2008 Subaru Legacy received an IIHS Top Safety Pick award for its excellent performance in crash tests.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

While reliability ratings can vary by specific year and engine, Subaru models generally receive good to above-average reliability ratings from publications like Consumer Reports. The manual will help maintain this.