🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Year:

2008

Generation Code:

4th Generation (BP/BL)

Chassis Codes:

BP (Wagon), BL (Sedan)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Sedan/Wagon

Target Audience:

Drivers seeking a reliable, all-wheel-drive vehicle with a focus on safety and practicality, often appealing to families and those in inclement weather regions.

Competitors:

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda6, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima

Differentiators:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer engine configuration, strong safety ratings, comfortable ride.

Advantage:

Provides in-depth technical knowledge essential for maintaining and repairing the vehicle, saving on dealership service costs.

📋 Manual Details

Trim Levels:

All trim levels including 2.5i, GT, GT Limited, spec.B

Regions:

North America

Estimated Pages:

Over 2000 pages (typical for full service manual)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (2.5L Naturally Aspirated, 2.5L Turbocharged EJ255), Transmission (5-speed Automatic, 6-speed Manual), Drivetrain (Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive)

Chassis:

Suspension (front/rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, EBD, BA), Wheels, Tires

Electrical:

Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Lighting, Audio System, HVAC Controls, SRS (Airbag) System, Keyless Entry, Immobilizer

Body:

Body Panel Repair, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Glass, Doors, Hood, Trunk

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical schematics, flow charts

Repair:

Component removal and installation, component repair, system overhauls

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic fluid checks to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics)

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, allowing for quick access to specific topics

Quality:

High resolution scans of original factory documentation

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

EJ253 (2.5L SOHC NA)

Displacement 1:

2.5 Liters (2457 cc)

Horsepower 1:

173 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque 1:

166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Compression Ratio 1:

9.7:1

Fuel Type 1:

Unleaded Gasoline

Engine Code 2:

EJ255 (2.5L DOHC Turbocharged)

Displacement 2:

2.5 Liters (2457 cc)

Horsepower 2:

243 hp @ 5600 rpm (GT), 250 hp @ 5600 rpm (spec.B)

Torque 2:

241 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (GT), 250 lb-ft @ 2000-6000 rpm (spec.B)

Compression Ratio 2:

8.4:1

Fuel Type 2:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline

Injection Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Ignition System:

Coil-on-plug (COP) ignition

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Na:

5-Speed Automatic (4EAT)

Transmission Type Turbo:

6-Speed Manual

Transmission Type Optional Na:

5-Speed Manual (early models, less common)

Drivetrain:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard on all models

AWD Type:

Active AWD (5-speed auto), DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential) on spec.B manual

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent Dexter 3-H)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

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

Differentials Fluid:

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

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

187.6 inches (4765 mm)

Length Wagon:

190.0 inches (4825 mm)

Width:

69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height Sedan:

57.1 inches (1450 mm)

Height Wagon:

58.1 inches (1475 mm)

Wheelbase:

105.1 inches (2670 mm)

Curb Weight Range:

3300 - 3600 lbs (approx.)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

5-Star (for 2008 model year)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (Good ratings in frontal, side, and rear impacts)

Active Safety:

All-Wheel Drive, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Passive Safety:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, 3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Available AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with 4 or 6 speakers. Optional SiriusXM satellite radio. Limited touchscreen functionality.

Driver Aids:

ABS, EBD, BA, TCS, ESC are standard. Optional HID headlights on higher trims.

Connectivity Options:

Auxiliary audio input jack. Bluetooth connectivity was not widely available or standard in this model year.

Comfort Tech:

Dual-zone automatic climate control (optional), heated front seats (optional), power adjustable driver's seat (optional).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe conditions) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal conditions) - Refer to manual for specific engine oil type and capacity.

Engine Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (check condition)

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (check condition)

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 60,000 miles (NA engine) / 30,000 miles (turbocharged engine)

Coolant Flush:

Replace every 30,000 miles or 2 years

Engine Oil Capacity Na:

4.8 US quarts (4.6 L) with filter (for 2.5L NA engine)

Engine Oil Capacity Turbo:

5.5 US quarts (5.2 L) with filter (for 2.5L Turbo engine)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (API SM or higher) - Check manual for specific viscosity and certifications

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent

Head Gaskets:

While the EJ253 (NA) engine generally avoided the severe head gasket issues of earlier EJ25 models, it's still a common area to inspect on higher mileage vehicles. The EJ255 (turbo) engines are less prone but still require attention.

Turbocharger Lag:

Turbocharged models (GT) can experience some turbo lag, typical for the era. Maintenance of intercooler and boost control systems is crucial.

Clutch Wear:

Manual transmission models can experience clutch wear, especially with aggressive driving. Clutch replacement is a common repair.

Suspension Components:

Worn sway bar links and bushings are common on higher mileage vehicles, leading to knocking noises or reduced handling.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Origin:

Japanese manufacturer known for its horizontally-opposed Boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems since the 1970s.

Legacy Introduction:

The Subaru Legacy was first introduced in 1989 as a replacement for the Subaru Leone.

Fourth Generation Debut:

The 4th generation (BP/BL) debuted in 2003 for the 2004 model year and received a facelift in 2007 for the 2008 model year, which included revised styling and powertrains.

Production Location:

Gunma Manufacturing Plant, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

Consistently received high safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, contributing to Subaru's reputation for safety.

Consumer Reports:

Often cited for good reliability in certain areas, though some model years and engines had specific concerns (addressed in maintenance section).