🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Year:

2000

Market:

North America

Chassis Code Prefix:

BE/BH

Model Code Examples:

BD, BG, BH, BP

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size sedan and wagon, known for AWD standard on most models.

Usp:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, boxer engine configuration, durability, and practicality.

Competitors:

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

Design Philosophy:

Functional, reliable, and driver-focused with an emphasis on all-weather capability.

Engine Layout:

Horizontally opposed (Boxer) engine.

Drivetrain Standard:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard on most variants.

📋 Manual Details

Trim Levels Covered:

L, GT, Outback

Body Styles Covered:

Sedan, Wagon

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Exhaust

Chassis:

Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires

Electrical:

Ignition, Charging, Starting, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Electrical, ECU, Sensors

Body:

Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Glass, Interior Trim, HVAC, Body Sealing

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, Filter replacements, Fluid checks, Spark plug replacement, Belt inspections

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Symptom-based diagnostics

Repair Procedures:

Engine rebuilds, Transmission overhaul, Brake caliper replacement, Suspension component replacement, Electrical component repair

Component Replacement:

Alternator, Starter, Water pump, Radiator, Fuel pump, Ignition coils, CV axles

Adjustments:

Wheel alignment, Clutch adjustment (if applicable), Parking brake adjustment

Engine Management:

Fuel injection system, ignition timing, emissions controls, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics.

Cooling System:

Radiator, hoses, thermostat, water pump, fan clutch/electric fan replacement and service.

Fuel System Service:

Fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, evaporative emission control (EVAP) system.

Braking System Repair:

Brake pads, rotors, calipers, lines, master cylinder, ABS component testing.

Suspension Components:

Struts, shocks, control arms, sway bars, ball joints, bushings.

Steering System:

Power steering pump, steering rack, tie rods, alignment specifications.

Depth:

Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic information.

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete and detailed electrical system wiring diagrams included.

Torque Specifications:

All critical bolt and fastener torque specifications provided.

Special Tools:

Identification of required Subaru special tools for specific procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text enabled

Print Quality:

High resolution, printable pages

Binding:

N/A (Digital)

Paper:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

EJ253

Engine Type 1:

2.5L DOHC 16-valve flat-four (Boxer)

Horsepower 1:

165 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque 1:

166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Bore X Stroke 1:

99.5 mm x 79.0 mm

Compression Ratio 1:

9.7:1

Fuel Delivery 1:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Engine Code 2:

EJ22E

Engine Type 2:

2.2L SOHC 16-valve flat-four (Boxer)

Horsepower 2:

142 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque 2:

149 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Bore X Stroke 2:

96.9 mm x 75.0 mm

Compression Ratio 2:

9.5:1

Fuel Delivery 2:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Engine Options Note:

Availability of 2.2L and 2.5L engines depends on trim level and market.

Fuel Type Required:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended, higher for GT)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

15.9 gallons (60 liters)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

4-Speed Automatic (with AWD)

Transmission Type Opt:

5-Speed Manual (with AWD)

AWD System:

Viscous coupling center differential and open front/rear differentials (manual) or electronically controlled multi-plate clutch center differential (automatic).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF-HP or Dexron III (check manual for specific VIN)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 Gear Oil

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

187.8 in (4770 mm)

Length Wagon:

191.1 in (4854 mm)

Width:

69.7 in (1770 mm)

Height Sedan:

56.7 in (1440 mm)

Height Wagon:

57.5 in (1460 mm) / 63.7 in (1618 mm) for Outback

Wheelbase:

104.0 in (2640 mm)

Ground Clearance:

5.9 in (150 mm) for standard, 7.3 in (185 mm) for Outback

Curb Weight Min:

3240 lbs (1470 kg) approx.

Curb Weight Max:

3520 lbs (1600 kg) approx.

Cargo Volume Sedan:

13.4 cu ft (379 L)

Cargo Volume Wagon:

39.0 cu ft (1104 L) / 71.3 cu ft (2019 L) with rear seats folded

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4/5 stars (for 2000 model year)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4/5 stars (for 2000 model year)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for vehicles equipped with side airbags, not standard on all 2000 models)

ABS:

Standard on GT, optional on L

Traction Control:

Optional on some models

Airbags Front:

Standard dual front airbags

Airbags Side:

Optional front side-impact airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts, pre-tensioners and load limiters for front seats

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player, optional cassette and premium audio systems.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control depending on trim level.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe conditions) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal conditions) - Refer to manual for exact spec.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (NGK Plat/Iridium recommended)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 105,000 miles or 7 years (for EJ253 and EJ22E - CRITICAL MAINTENANCE)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (API SG or higher, ILSAC GF-2)

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Head Gaskets:

While less prone than later generations, early EJ25 engines can experience head gasket leaks. The manual provides inspection and repair procedures.

Timing Belt:

Due to interference engine design, timing belt failure can cause severe engine damage. Strict adherence to replacement intervals is vital.

Awt Wheel Bearings:

Some models may experience premature front wheel bearing wear, especially with aggressive driving or in harsh environments. Manual covers replacement.

Cv Joints:

Front CV boots can tear, leading to grease loss and joint damage. Manual details inspection and replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Subaru has a long history of building durable, capable vehicles with a focus on AWD and unique engineering (boxer engines).

Generation Introduction:

The 2000 Legacy is part of the second generation (BD/BG/BH) introduced in 1993 (Japan) and 1995 (North America), with a significant refresh for the 1997 model year. The 2000 model represents the later part of this generation before the third generation (BP/BL) launched for 2005.

Outback Introduction:

The Outback variant, essentially a lifted Legacy wagon with ruggedized styling, was introduced in 1995 and became a distinct model, but is covered here as a Legacy variant.

Production Locations:

Japan (Ota, Gunma)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Best:

Often appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best lists in earlier iterations.

Safety Awards:

Achieved good safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS for its time.