🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Year:

2008

Chassis Codes:

BP (Wagon), BL (Sedan)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size Sedan/Wagon

Usp:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard, boxer engine, practical and reliable.

Competitors:

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

Standard AWD:

Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is a major selling point for traction and stability.

Boxer Engine:

Horizontally opposed (boxer) engine layout provides a lower center of gravity for improved handling.

Practicality:

Available in both sedan and wagon body styles, offering versatility and cargo space.

📋 Manual Details

Regions Covered:

North America, Europe, Australia (variations may apply based on specific market configurations)

Estimated Page Count:

2000-3000+ pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing systems, lubrication, cooling system

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection, ignition system, emission controls, turbocharger (if applicable), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gear selection, internal components, overhaul procedures

Transmission Automatic:

Valve body, torque converter, gear sets, planetary gears, electronic controls, fluid service

Drivetrain:

Front differential, rear differential, driveshafts, CV joints, AWD system operation

Suspension:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints, stabilizer bar), rear suspension (multi-link, shocks, springs), wheel alignment specifications

Steering:

Power steering system (hydraulic/electric), steering column, tie rods, steering gear

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS, EBD, brake fluid specifications, caliper and rotor replacement, bleeding procedures

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, horns, power windows, power seats, central locking

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, roof (including sunroof if applicable)

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control unit, refrigerant types

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belt pre-tensioners, occupant classification system

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, common symptom diagnosis, fault code interpretation

Component Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation of major components

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, component testing, circuit diagnosis using multimeters and oscilloscopes

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, pressure readings, electrical resistance values

Recalibration And Adjustment:

Throttle body relearn, idle air control valve adjustments, wheel speed sensor calibration

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures for all electronic systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text (optimally) for quick information retrieval

Printability:

Printable pages for hard copy reference

Image Quality:

High-resolution diagrams, illustrations, and photographs

Clarity:

Professionally formatted with clear text and precise diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

EJ253 (2.5L SOHC NA), EJ255 (2.5L DOHC Turbo - GT models)

Displacement 2.5I:

2.5 Liters (2457 cc)

Horsepower 2.5I:

173 hp @ 5,800 rpm

Torque 2.5I:

166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Displacement Gt:

2.5 Liters (2457 cc)

Horsepower Gt:

250 hp @ 5,200 rpm

Torque Gt:

250 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm

Injection Type:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) for 2.5i, Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) for GT models

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum (91 octane recommended for GT models for optimal performance)

Configuration:

Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) 4-Cylinder

Valvetrain:

2.5i: Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) with Variable Valve Timing (VVT); GT: Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) with Variable Valve Timing (VVT)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 2.5I:

5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

Transmission Type Gt:

6-speed Manual Transmission (MT)

Transmission Type 2.5I Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)

Transmission Type Gt Optional:

5-speed Automatic Transmission (5EAT)

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous-coupling limited-slip center differential

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Subaru Extra-S or equivalent)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF HP (High Performance) or equivalent (refer to specific service manual for exact type)

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

187.8 inches (4770 mm)

Length Wagon:

189.0 inches (4800 mm)

Width:

69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height Sedan:

57.7 inches (1465 mm)

Height Wagon:

57.5 inches (1460 mm)

Wheelbase:

105.1 inches (2670 mm)

Ground Clearance:

5.7 inches (145 mm)

Curb Weight Approx 2.5I:

3250-3350 lbs (1474-1519 kg)

Curb Weight Approx Gt:

3450-3550 lbs (1565-1610 kg)

Cargo Volume Sedan:

14.7 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Wagon:

39.4 cubic feet (seats up), 73.7 cubic feet (seats down)

🛡️ Safety Features

IIHS Front Crash Rating:

Good

IIHS Side Crash Rating:

Good

NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 Stars (may vary by specific test configuration)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Ebd:

Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Stability Control:

Standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags (standard on most trims)

Seatbelts:

3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, rear 3-point seatbelts

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Base models featured AM/FM/CD players. Higher trims offered optional Rockford Fosgate audio systems, navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Display Options:

Optional touchscreen navigation system.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control on most trims.

Climate Control:

Manual climate control or optional automatic climate control system.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity on higher trims.

Aux Input:

Standard auxiliary audio input jack.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 6 months for severe driving conditions, or 7,500 miles or 12 months for normal driving. Refer to owner's manual for specific details.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed, depending on driving environment.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement 2.5I:

Platinum-tipped spark plugs typically have a longer interval, around 60,000 - 100,000 miles. Iridium-tipped plugs even longer.

Spark Plug Replacement Gt:

Refer to specific manual for turbocharged engine, likely around 60,000 miles for performance plugs.

Timing Belt Replacement:

This generation of Legacy (EJ engines) utilizes a timing belt. Replacement is critical and typically recommended every 105,000 miles or 7 years. Manual will detail this procedure and associated components (tensioner, idlers).

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30 (API SN or newer) for most climates. Consult owner's manual for temperature-specific viscosity recommendations.

Engine Oil Capacity 2.5I:

Approx. 4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change.

Engine Oil Capacity Gt:

Approx. 5.1 US quarts (4.8 Liters) with filter change.

Coolant Specification:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 compatible.

Head Gaskets:

While less common on the EJ253 SOHC in this generation compared to earlier DOHC variants, it's still a potential concern, especially if overheating has occurred. The manual will cover diagnosis and replacement.

Catalytic Converter:

Premature failure of the catalytic converter can occur, often indicated by check engine lights and reduced engine power. The manual will provide diagnostic steps.

Cv Axles:

Wear and tear on CV joints, especially with high mileage or off-road use, can lead to clicking noises. The manual details replacement procedures.

Transmission Mounts:

Wear on transmission mounts can cause clunking noises during acceleration or deceleration. Replacement is covered.

Oil Leaks:

Various seals and gaskets can develop leaks over time (e.g., valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket). The manual provides torque specs and replacement procedures.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru History:

Founded in 1953 as Subaru Heavy Industries, known for its pioneering use of All-Wheel Drive in passenger cars and its aviation background.

Legacy Generation:

Fourth generation (2004-2009). The 2008 model represents a mid-cycle refresh for this generation, introducing updated styling, interior refinements, and potentially revised powertrain options.

Third Gen To Fourth Gen Changes:

Introduction of the larger chassis, more powerful engine options, and enhanced safety features. The 2008 refresh further refined these aspects.

Manufacturing Location:

Gunma Plant, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

The 2008 Subaru Legacy often received Good ratings in IIHS crash tests, contributing to its reputation for safety, though 'Top Safety Pick' designation may vary by year and specific configuration.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Subaru generally received average to above-average reliability ratings from sources like Consumer Reports during this period.

Expected Reliability:

Reliable platform known for longevity, especially with proper maintenance. The manual is key to ensuring this.