🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Year:

2005

Market:

USA

Chassis Code:

BP (Wagon), BL (Sedan)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Mid-size sedan and wagon, known for AWD capability and reliability.

Key Competitors:

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda6, Nissan Altima

Standard AWD:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system standard on all trims, a significant differentiator.

Engine Options:

Choice of reliable Boxer engines (4-cylinder and 6-cylinder), including a potent turbocharged option for the GT models.

Body Styles:

Available as a sleek sedan (BL) and a versatile wagon (BP).

Manual Value:

Essential for DIY mechanics, professional technicians, and owners seeking to maintain their vehicle to factory standards. Offers significant cost savings over dealer service.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Factory Service Repair Manual

Secondary Coverage:

All mechanical and electrical systems, body, chassis

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

2.5L EJ253 Naturally Aspirated, 2.5L EJ255 Turbocharged (GT models), 3.0L EZ30D H6 Naturally Aspirated

Transmission:

5-speed Manual (TY753VH), 4-speed Automatic (43355/43356), 5-speed Automatic (TG5A7CVBAY/TG5A7CVCAY)

Drivetrain:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials, driveshafts, hubs

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS, EBD, front and rear disc brake service, parking brake

Suspension:

Front struts, rear multi-link suspension, springs, shocks, control arms, sway bars

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, steering rack

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starter, ignition, lighting, body control modules, power accessories, wiring diagrams

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control panel, refrigerant service

Bodywork:

Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, glass, bumpers, seat mechanisms

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, fluid checks and replacements, filter replacements, spark plugs, timing belt (on H6)

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, diagnostic procedures for all systems

Repair:

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

Disassembly Assembly:

Step-by-step instructions for removing and reinstalling major components

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, pressure readings

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed schematics for all electrical systems, including connector pinouts

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, in-depth electrical troubleshooting, and body repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content

Resolution:

High-resolution, suitable for printing

Binding:

Not applicable (downloadable PDF)

Paper:

Not applicable (digital format)

Printing:

Printable in whole or in part

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Base Engine:

2.5L EJ253 SOHC Naturally Aspirated Flat-4

Base Engine Code:

EJ253

Base Engine Displacement:

2457 cc

Base Engine Horsepower:

165 hp @ 5600 rpm

Base Engine Torque:

166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Gt Engine:

2.5L EJ255 DOHC Turbocharged Flat-4

Gt Engine Code:

EJ255

Gt Engine Horsepower:

250 hp @ 6000 rpm

Gt Engine Torque:

250 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

H6 Engine:

3.0L EZ30D SOHC Naturally Aspirated Flat-6

H6 Engine Code:

EZ30D

H6 Engine Horsepower:

250 hp @ 6600 rpm

H6 Engine Torque:

217 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential multi-port injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended for NA, 91 octane recommended for Turbo (GT)

4 Cylinder Timing:

Timing belt (EJ253, EJ255)

6 Cylinder Timing:

Timing belt (EZ30D)

🔧 Transmission

Base Transmission:

5-speed Manual (TY753VH)

Automatic Option1:

4-speed Automatic (43355/43356)

Automatic Option2:

5-speed Automatic (TG5A7CVBAY/TG5A7CVCAY, often found in GT and 3.0R models)

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential (manual) or electronically controlled transfer clutch (automatic).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Subaru Extra-S GL-5 75W-90 (API classification GL-5)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF-HP

📐 Dimensions

Sedan Length:

187.2 inches

Wagon Length:

188.0 inches

Width:

69.1 inches

Height Sedan:

57.5 inches

Height Wagon:

56.1 inches

Wheelbase:

104.4 inches

Ground Clearance:

6.1 inches

Curb Weight Sedan Base:

~3200 lbs

Curb Weight Wagon Gt:

~3550 lbs

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x100mm

Wheel Size:

16-inch, 17-inch (GT/3.0R), 18-inch (GT spec.B)

Tire Size Base:

205/55R16

Tire Size Gt:

215/45R17 or 225/40R18

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Five-Star (Driver and Passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact:

Five-Star (Front), Four-Star (Rear)

IIHS Front Offset:

Good

IIHS Side Impact:

Good

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Ebd:

Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, available front and rear side-curtain airbags

Seatbelts:

Pretensioner and load-limiter front seatbelts, LATCH child seat anchors

Crumple Zones:

Designed with energy-absorbing front and rear crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with CD player, some models featured premium audio systems and subwoofer.

Display:

Basic LCD displays for radio information and climate control. No large touchscreen infotainment systems in this era.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control

All Wheel Drive:

Symmetrical AWD system as a primary safety and performance feature.

Aux Input:

Generally not available in factory head units; aftermarket solutions common.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control systems available depending on trim level.

Power Accessories:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors standard on most trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal) - check owner's manual for specific conditions.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Often recommended every 30,000 miles.

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions.

Spark Plugs Na 4Cyl:

Iridium-tipped plugs, typically 100,000-mile replacement interval.

Spark Plugs Turbo 4Cyl:

Iridium-tipped plugs, typically 60,000-mile replacement interval.

Timing Belt H6:

Replace every 105,000 miles or 7 years. Critical for H6 engine longevity.

Engine Oil Capacity Na 4Cyl:

4.8 US quarts (4.5 L) with filter change (EJ253)

Engine Oil Capacity Turbo 4Cyl:

5.0 US quarts (4.7 L) with filter change (EJ255)

Engine Oil Capacity H6:

5.8 US quarts (5.5 L) with filter change (EZ30D)

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30, API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 certified (check manual for exact specifications for your climate and engine).

Coolant:

Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Head Gaskets:

While not as prevalent as in earlier generations, some EJ25 engines can develop coolant leaks from the head gaskets. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.

Turbo Oil Lines Gt:

For turbocharged models (GT), inspect and potentially replace oil-feed lines if they show signs of degradation, which can lead to turbocharger failure.

Rear Wheel Bearings:

Rear wheel bearings can wear out, especially with AWD systems. The manual covers their replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Heritage:

Subaru, the automotive division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), is known for its horizontally opposed 'Boxer' engines and its pioneering use of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) in mass-produced passenger cars.

Legacy Generation Introduction:

The 2005 model year marked the introduction of the fourth generation (BP/BL) Subaru Legacy, which replaced the third generation (BD/BG/BK).

Fourth Gen Design:

The fourth generation featured a more sculpted exterior design, improved interior refinement, and updated powertrains. It continued to offer both sedan and wagon body styles.

Gt Model Significance:

The 2.5 GT Turbo model offered significantly enhanced performance, making the Legacy a strong contender in the sport-sedan/wagon segment.

Manufacturing Location:

Subaru's main assembly plant in Gunma, Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

The 2005 Legacy and Outback (which shares many components) consistently received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, often earning Top Safety Pick designations.

Car And Driver 10Best:

While not explicitly for the 2005 model year, the Legacy GT wagon was recognized by Car and Driver in previous years for its blend of practicality and performance.