🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Year:

1998

Generation Designation:

Third Generation (BG/BK)

Chassis Codes:

BG (Wagon), BK (Sedan)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size sedan and wagon, known for its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system and boxer engine.

Competitors:

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Malibu

Unique Selling Points:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on most models, horizontally opposed 'Boxer' engines offering a lower center of gravity, durable construction, practical wagon variant.

Primary Users:

Subaru Legacy 1998 owners and independent repair shops seeking accurate, factory-level repair and maintenance information.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Markets:

Global (with potential regional variations noted in specific sections)

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, based on common availability for this era)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete overhaul, diagnosis, maintenance, emissions, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, starting, charging systems

Transmission:

Automatic and Manual transmission service, overhaul, diagnosis, fluid specifications

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system (Subaru's Symmetrical AWD), differentials, driveshafts, CV joints

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, struts, bushings, control arms

Brakes:

Disc and drum brake systems, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair, hydraulic systems, parking brake

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, column, tie rods, diagnosis

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, door locks, wiring diagrams, ECU (Engine Control Unit) diagnosis

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling

Body:

Body panel repair, doors, glass, interior trim, bumpers, collision repair basics

Chassis:

Frame and unibody structure, corrosion protection

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and top-offs

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation

Repair:

Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, adjustments, diagnostics for all major systems

Diagnostics:

Electrical system diagnostics, engine performance diagnostics, ABS system troubleshooting

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed, system-specific wiring diagrams

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid checks and filter replacements to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and bodywork.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (assumed), often with searchable text capabilities

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

EJ22

Engine Type 1:

2.2L Naturally Aspirated SOHC Boxer-4

Displacement 1:

2211 cc (2.2 Liters)

Bore X Stroke 1:

96.0 mm x 75.0 mm

Compression Ratio 1:

9.5:1

Horsepower 1:

135 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque 1:

133 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Engine Code 2:

EJ25D

Engine Type 2:

2.5L Naturally Aspirated DOHC Boxer-4

Displacement 2:

2457 cc (2.5 Liters)

Bore X Stroke 2:

99.5 mm x 80.0 mm

Compression Ratio 2:

9.7:1

Horsepower 2:

165 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 2:

162 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane minimum recommended, higher for EJ25D)

Engine Orientation:

Horizontally opposed (Boxer)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-speed Automatic (Full-time 4WD)

Transmission Type Optional:

5-speed Manual (Full-time 4WD)

AWD System:

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with viscous coupling center differential

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Subaru ATF HP (or Dexron II/III compatible)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

Subaru Gear Oil API GL-5 SAE 75W-90

📐 Dimensions

Sedan Length:

Approx. 4600 mm (181.1 in)

Sedan Width:

Approx. 1735 mm (68.3 in)

Sedan Height:

Approx. 1410 mm (55.5 in)

Wagon Length:

Approx. 4610 mm (181.5 in)

Wagon Width:

Approx. 1735 mm (68.3 in)

Wagon Height:

Approx. 1475 mm (58.1 in)

Wheelbase:

2630 mm (103.5 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1370 - 1470 kg (3020 - 3240 lbs) depending on trim and body style

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Refer to vehicle's compliance plate for exact GVWR

Wheelbase AWD Specifics:

Consistent across AWD models

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

Not rated for this specific year/model by NHTSA at time of production in a modern context. Early 90s ratings are less standardized.

IIHS Crash Test Results:

Refer to IIHS archives for specific model tests, typically rated 'Good' or 'Acceptable' in common tests for its era.

ABS:

Available (standard on higher trims/optional on lower trims)

Traction Control:

Not commonly available on this model year

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger front airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seatbelts, driver's pretensioner

Crumple Zones:

Designed front and rear crumple zones for energy absorption

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM/Cassette stereo, optional CD player integration. Basic speaker configurations.

Climate Control:

Manual climate control knobs for fan speed, temperature, and air direction. Optional automatic climate control on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional depending on trim level.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System available, detailed in the manual for diagnostics.

Auxiliary Inputs:

Not available in the modern sense; requires aftermarket modifications for aux or USB.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 7,500 miles (depending on oil type and driving conditions, consult owner's manual)

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

With every oil change

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (CRITICAL for EJ engines, consult manual for exact interval and procedures, often recommended with water pump replacement)

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles

Engine Oil Viscosity 1:

10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for climate-specific recommendations)

Engine Oil Capacity 1:

Approx. 4.5 US quarts (4.2 L) with filter for EJ22

Engine Oil Capacity 2:

Approx. 4.8 US quarts (4.5 L) with filter for EJ25D

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically blue)

Head Gaskets Ej25D:

The EJ25D engine (2.5L DOHC) is prone to head gasket failure due to its dual overhead cam design and specific head gasket material used by Subaru in this era. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.

Cv Axle Boots:

Tearing of CV axle boots leading to joint damage, especially under harsh conditions.

Oil Leaks:

Common oil leaks can occur from valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets over time.

Catalytic Converter:

Can become clogged or fail, affecting engine performance and emissions. Manual will cover diagnosis.

Ignition Coils And Wires:

Can degrade over time, leading to misfires. Manual provides testing procedures.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Focus:

Subaru has a long history of producing vehicles with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and horizontally opposed Boxer engines, emphasizing durability and capability.

Third Generation Introduction:

The third generation (BG/BK) was introduced for the 1995 model year, representing a significant redesign from its predecessor.

Year Specific Changes 1998:

Minor styling updates and feature packaging adjustments for the 1998 model year, building upon the established platform.

Production Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan (Gunma Prefecture)

Production Years Third Gen:

1995-1999

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Consumer Reports typically rated Subaru models positively for reliability and AWD capability during this period, though specific ratings for 1998 would require historical data.

Reliability Perception:

Generally good reliability, with the notable exception of EJ25D head gasket issues. The EJ22 is considered very robust.

Emissions Compliance:

Designed to meet US EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for the model year.