Subaru Legacy 2008 Service Repair Manual

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Type: Car

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Sku: 89151

Tags: 2008 Car Cars Legacy Misc Subaru

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Description

The Subaru Legacy, specifically the 4th Generation (BP/BL) produced for the 2008 model year, represents Subaru's commitment to providing reliable, all-wheel-drive vehicles. Known for its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and horizontally-opposed Boxer engine configuration, the Legacy offers a comfortable ride and strong safety ratings, making it a practical choice for drivers in various conditions. Available as both a sedan (BL chassis code) and a wagon (BP chassis code), this mid-size vehicle appeals to those seeking a blend of safety, practicality, and capable performance, distinguishing itself from competitors through its unique drivetrain and engineering. This comprehensive factory service manual provides essential technical information for the 2008 Subaru Legacy, covering all trim levels offered in North America, including the 2.5i and GT variants. With over 2000 pages of detailed content, the manual thoroughly addresses powertrain systems, including naturally aspirated and turbocharged Boxer engines and the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive drivetrain, as well as chassis, electrical, and body components. It serves as an indispensable resource for owners, mechanics, and technicians, offering detailed maintenance schedules, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting guides, electrical schematics, and step-by-step repair instructions, ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of the vehicle.

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Year:

Generation

Generation Code:

4th Generation (BP/BL)

Codes

Chassis Codes:

BP (Wagon), BL (Sedan)

👋 Introduction

Market Position

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.

Competitive Analysis

Competitors:

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

Key Features

Differentiators:

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

Manual Advantage

Advantage:

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

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Trim Levels:

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

Regions:

North America

Page Count

Estimated Pages:

Over 2000 pages (typical for full service manual)

Manual Type

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

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

Procedures Included

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

Technical Depth

Depth:

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

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

File Type:

Searchability:

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

Print Quality

Quality:

High resolution scans of original factory documentation

Binding Type

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

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

Fuel System

Injection Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Ignition System:

Coil-on-plug (COP) ignition

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Transmission Type Na:

5-Speed Automatic (4EAT)

Transmission Type Turbo:

6-Speed Manual

Optional

Transmission Type Optional Na:

5-Speed Manual (early models, less common)

Features

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

Fluid Specifications

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

Exterior

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)

Weights

Curb Weight Range:

3300 - 3600 lbs (approx.)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

NHTSA Overall Rating:

5-Star (for 2008 model year)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

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

Active Features

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 Features

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

Infotainment

Audio System:

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

Driver Assistance

Driver Aids:

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

Connectivity

Connectivity Options:

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

Comfort Features

Comfort Tech:

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

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

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

Fluid Specifications

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

Known Issues

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

Brand Heritage

Subaru Origin:

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

Model Evolution

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

Production Location:

Gunma Manufacturing Plant, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

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).