Chassis Codes:
BH5, BE5, BG5, BP5, BH9, BE9, BG9, BP9
Engine Codes Primary:
EJ20 (2.0L), EJ25 (2.5L)
Engine Codes Secondary:
EJ204 (2.0L DOHC), EJ253 (2.5L SOHC), EJ205 (2.0L Turbo), EJ255 (2.5L Turbo), EZ30 (3.0L H6)
Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size Sedan and Station Wagon (Estate/Outback variants)
Key Selling Points:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, boxer engines, practicality, durability, distinct styling.
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon, Mitsubishi Magna, Mazda 626/Mazda Atenza, Honda Accord.
AWD Standard:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across most variants, enhancing traction and stability.
Boxer Engine Layout:
Low center of gravity due to Subaru's signature horizontally opposed boxer engine design, contributing to superior handling.
Years Covered:
1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Regions Covered:
Global (primarily Australia, Europe, Japan, North America where applicable)
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Type:
Service and Repair Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (including disassembly, inspection, assembly), Engine management (fuel injection, ignition, emissions control), Turbocharging systems, Transmission (manual and automatic, including clutch, AWD system components), Drivetrain (axles, driveshafts, differentials)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear, components, alignment), Steering (power steering system, rack and pinion), Brakes (hydraulic system, ABS, parking brake), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), Instrument cluster, Power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors, sunroof), Wiper and washer systems, Audio systems, Body control modules, Engine Control Unit (ECU) diagnostics, Wiring diagrams for all systems
Body:
Body structure, Exterior panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk lid, Bumpers, Interior trim, HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), Seats, Restraint systems (airbags, seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plugs, timing belt replacement for specific engines), Lubrication procedures, Brake inspections, Tire rotations
Repair Rebuild:
Engine component overhaul (pistons, rings, bearings, valve train), Cylinder head repair, Turbocharger replacement, Transmission overhaul and repair, Differential and axle service, Suspension and steering component replacement, Brake system bleeding and component replacement, HVAC system component replacement, Body panel repair and replacement
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, Engine performance troubleshooting, Transmission performance issues, Electrical system fault finding, ABS and SRS system diagnostics, HVAC system troubleshooting
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance and fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed specifications, torque values, and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Displacement Common:
2.5 Liters (2457cc)
Engine Type Common:
EJ253 (Naturally Aspirated, SOHC)
Horsepower Ej253:
165 hp @ 5,600 rpm (approx.)
Torque Ej253:
166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower Ej204:
140 hp @ 6,000 rpm (approx.)
Torque Ej204:
135 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower Ej205 Gt:
218 hp @ 5,600 rpm (approx. GT models)
Torque Ej205 Gt:
240 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (approx. GT models)
Horsepower Ez30 Gtb:
217 hp @ 6,000 rpm (approx. GTB H6 models)
Torque Ez30 Gtb:
207 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm (approx. GTB H6 models)
Injection Type:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating requirements vary by engine and region)
Layout:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer)
Transmission Type Common:
4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Type Optional:
5-Speed Manual
AWD System:
Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system integrated with both transmission types. Varied configurations depending on transmission and trim.
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
Subaru ATF-HP (Genuine Subaru or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil recommended)
Ancap Rating Early:
4 Stars (for certain configurations, tested in Australia)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models.
AWD:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as a primary active safety feature for traction and stability.
Airbags:
Front airbags standard. Side airbags available on higher trims or optional.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning front seatbelts, three-point rear seatbelts.
Audio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM/CD or Cassette/CD players. Auxiliary inputs were not common in this era.
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation systems available on higher trim levels, typically with a CRT screen.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control on most models.
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) available on some models, often linked to the AWD system.
Bluetooth:
Not available from the factory. Aftermarket solutions are common.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 to 15,000 km (4,500 to 9,000 miles) or 6 to 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type).
Timing Belt Interval:
Recommended replacement every 100,000 km (60,000 miles) for EJ253 and EJ204 engines. Turbocharged engines may have different intervals. Consult manual for precise timing belt replacement recommendations and related components (tensioner, idlers, water pump).
Engine Oil Spec:
5W-30 or 10W-30 API SG or higher (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate and engine type). Approx. 4.5L capacity for 2.5L NA engine.
Coolant Spec:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Approx. 7.5L capacity.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 compliant brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Genuine Subaru PSF or Dexron III/Mercon compatible ATF.
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent on this generation compared to earlier EJ engines, head gasket leaks (particularly coolant leaks into cylinders or oil) can occur on EJ253 engines. Regular inspection is advised.
Automatic Transmission Reliability:
Some automatic transmissions can experience issues like torque converter shudder or delayed engagement, especially with higher mileage and inadequate fluid maintenance. AWD system fluid changes are also critical.
Suspension Wear:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and struts are common wear items due to mileage and the AWD system's demands.
Oil Leaks:
Leaking valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets can occur with age and mileage.
Subaru Ethos:
Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), is known for its engineering prowess, particularly in AWD and boxer engines, with a heritage rooted in aviation.
Legacy To Liberty:
The Subaru Liberty is the international name for the Subaru Legacy. This generation (BH/BE/BG/BP) represented a significant styling and engineering update over its predecessor (BD/BG/BK).
Bodystyles:
Available as a 4-door Sedan and a 5-door Station Wagon (often referred to as Liberty Outback or similar depending on trim/market for lifted variants).
Production Period:
1998-2003
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Consumer Ratings:
Consistently received positive ratings for reliability and safety from automotive publications of its time, particularly for its AWD capabilities.
Safety Awards:
Generally performed well in crash tests, contributing to Subaru's reputation for safety.
Emission Standards:
Meets various regional emission standards (e.g., Euro 3, EPA standards) depending on the market of sale.
