🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Year:

1998

Platform:

BD/BG/BK

Generation:

Second Generation (BD/BG/BK)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Mid-size sedan and wagon known for its standard All-Wheel Drive and comfortable ride, appealing to buyers seeking reliable all-weather capability

Competitors:

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Taurus, Mazda 626, Nissan Altima

AWD Standard:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive was a key differentiator

Engine Options:

Reliable boxer engines offered good balance and a low center of gravity

Body Styles:

Available as a 4-door sedan and a 5-door wagon (often referred to as the Outback Sport in some trims)

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

Coverage Scope:

Complete vehicle repair and maintenance

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (Printable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, performance tuning

Transmission Drivetrain:

Automatic Transmission (4AT), Manual Transmission (5MT), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, driveline components

Chassis Systems:

Suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (ABS, standard), wheel alignment

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, HVAC controls, audio system, SRS (Airbag) system

Body And Trim:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, glass, seals, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, seats

HVAC System:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower system, refrigerant handling

Maintenance:

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

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-I), fault code interpretation, systematic troubleshooting guides for all systems

Repair Overhaul:

Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair

Installation:

Component replacement and installation procedures for all major parts and systems

Specifications And Tolerances:

Detailed torque specifications, clearances, alignment angles, electrical resistance values

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics and body repair

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Resolution:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

Text Search:

Likely text-searchable if the original scan was performed with OCR

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

EJ22E

Engine Description 1:

2.2L SOHC 16-valve Boxer-4

Displacement 1:

2211 cc (134.9 cu in)

Bore X Stroke 1:

96.9 mm x 75.0 mm (3.81 in x 2.95 in)

Compression Ratio 1:

9.5:1

Horsepower 1:

135 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque 1:

133 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Engine Code 2:

EJ25D

Engine Description 2:

2.5L DOHC 16-valve Boxer-4

Displacement 2:

2457 cc (149.9 cu in)

Bore X Stroke 2:

99.5 mm x 79.0 mm (3.92 in x 3.11 in)

Compression Ratio 2:

10.0:1

Horsepower 2:

165 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque 2:

162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)

Oil Capacity:

4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter (EJ22E/EJ25D)

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

10W-30 API SG or SH

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed automatic (4AT) or 5-speed manual (5MT)

Drivetrain:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Automatic Transmission Model:

TZ102

Manual Transmission Model:

LS525

AWD Operation:

Viscous coupling center differential with torque split (typically 50/50 front/rear)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF (or Dexron III equivalent)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-5 75W-90 gear oil

Automatic Transmission Capacity:

3.9 quarts (3.7 L) for initial fill

Manual Transmission Capacity:

2.0 quarts (1.9 L)

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

181.7 inches (4615 mm)

Length Wagon:

185.2 inches (4705 mm)

Width:

67.9 inches (1725 mm)

Height Sedan:

55.1 inches (1400 mm)

Height Wagon:

57.7 inches (1465 mm)

Wheelbase:

104.3 inches (2649 mm)

Front Track:

58.3 inches (1480 mm)

Rear Track:

58.1 inches (1475 mm)

Curb Weight Est Min:

3050 lbs (1383 kg)

Curb Weight Est Max:

3300 lbs (1497 kg)

Wheel Size:

15-inch or 16-inch alloy or steel

Tire Size Std:

205/60R15

Tire Size Opt:

205/55R16

Bolt Pattern:

5x100mm

Offset:

+48mm to +55mm (typical)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Driver Side Frontal Impact Rating:

4 stars

NHTSA Passenger Side Frontal Impact Rating:

4 stars

IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:

Acceptable (1997-2001 models)

ABS:

Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on select models/trims

Traction Control:

Not commonly available

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS)

Seatbelts:

3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts

Body Structure:

Reinforced chassis and crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with cassette tape player and optional CD player. Basic speaker configurations.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control systems with A/C.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors available on higher trims.

Phone Integration:

No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity.

OBD Standard:

OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics, First Generation)

Diagnostic Interface:

Requires specific diagnostic connectors and potentially a specialized scan tool or jumper wire procedure for code retrieval.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months

Spark Plug Replacement Ej22E:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)

Spark Plug Replacement Ej25D:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months (CRITICAL maintenance item)

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid)

Coolant:

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

Head Gaskets Ej25D:

The EJ25D engine is known for potential head gasket failures, especially at higher mileage. The manual will provide diagnostic procedures and replacement instructions.

Automatic Transmission Issues:

Some instances of torque converter shudder or premature wear can occur. Regular fluid changes are critical.

Suspension Wear:

Bushings and ball joints can wear over time, leading to clunking noises and alignment issues. The manual details inspection and replacement procedures.

Climate Control Actuators:

Blend door actuators for the HVAC system can fail, affecting temperature control. Electrical diagnosis is key here.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Fuji Heavy Industries, has a long history of producing reliable and durable vehicles, often featuring unique engineering like the boxer engine and All-Wheel Drive.

Legacy Introduction:

The Subaru Legacy was introduced in 1989 as a replacement for the Subaru Leone. The second generation (BD/BG/BK) debuted in 1993 for the 1994 model year, with a significant redesign for 1998.

1998 Facelift:

The 1998 model year saw a significant facelift, including new front and rear styling (headlights, grille, bumpers, taillights), revised interior trim, and updated powertrain options (particularly the EJ25D becoming more prevalent).

Outback Sport Variant:

The Outback Sport variant, based on the Legacy wagon, offered increased ground clearance and rugged styling, foreshadowing the Subaru Outback's rise.

Production Years:

1990-1999 (for the second generation)

Manufacturing Location:

Gunma Prefecture, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Reputation:

Praised for its standard AWD, durability, and practicality in adverse weather conditions. Often cited as a reliable choice for the price point.