🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Year:

1989

Generation Name:

First Generation

Generation Code:

BC/BF/BJ/BG

Chassis Codes:

BC (Sedan), BF (Wagon), BJ (Ute - Australia Only), BG (Wagon - Facelift)

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Professional automotive technicians and serious DIY enthusiasts

Vehicle Segment:

Compact/Mid-size family car and station wagon

Key Competitors:

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Tempo, Chevrolet Corsica/Beretta, Nissan Maxima

Vehicle Strengths:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on many trims), Boxer engines, reliable and durable

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides essential factory-level repair information to maintain and repair the 1989 Subaru Legacy effectively.

📋 Manual Details

Repair Coverage:

Complete mechanical and electrical repair procedures

Body Coverage:

Body repair, sheet metal, chassis, paint

Diagnostics Coverage:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic flowcharts

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Manual Scope:

Repair and Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions control

Transmission Systems:

Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch, drivetrain, axles

Braking Systems:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS (where equipped), parking brake

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension, steering gear, power steering

Electrical Systems:

Wiring diagrams, lighting, charging system, starting system, instrumentation, comfort controls

HVAC Systems:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service

Body Interior:

Interior trim, seating, doors, windows, body hardware

Safety Systems:

Seat belts, airbags (if equipped), structural integrity

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups

Repair Procedures:

Component removal and installation, disassembly and reassembly, adjustments

Troubleshooting Procedures:

Diagnostic charts for common symptoms, circuit testing

Engine Rebuild:

Detailed engine overhaul procedures, including torque specifications and clearances

Transmission Overhaul:

Step-by-step instructions for rebuilding manual and automatic transmissions

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagram interpretation, testing of electrical components and circuits

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds

Diagnostic Detail:

Advanced diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting flowcharts

Repair Precision:

Includes precise torque specifications, clearances, and assembly instructions

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text

Image Resolution:

High-resolution scans suitable for printing

Diagram Clarity:

Clear and legible diagrams and illustrations

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

EA82

Engine Type 1:

Horizontally-Opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder

Displacement 1:

1.8 Liters (1781 cc)

Fuel Delivery 1:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Horsepower 1:

97 hp @ 5600 rpm (NA), 110 hp @ 5600 rpm (Turbo)

Torque 1:

105 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (NA), 126 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (Turbo)

Engine Code 2:

EA82T

Engine Type 2:

Turbocharged Horizontally-Opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder

Displacement 2:

1.8 Liters (1781 cc)

Fuel Delivery 2:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPFI) with Turbocharger

Engine Orientation:

Horizontally-Opposed (Boxer)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel System Description:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) or Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on most models)

Transfer Case:

Differential-type center differential with lockable mode (on some AWD models)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Sedan:

101.4 inches (2575 mm)

Wheelbase Wagon:

97.0 inches (2465 mm)

Length Sedan:

179.5 inches (4560 mm)

Length Wagon:

175.0 inches (4445 mm)

Width:

66.5 inches (1689 mm)

Height Sedan:

54.7 inches (1390 mm)

Height Wagon:

53.3 inches (1354 mm)

Curb Weight Est:

2700 - 3000 lbs (approx.)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:

3900 - 4200 lbs (approx.)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings 1989:

Not readily available in modern format, but generally considered safe for its era.

ABS Availability:

Optional on some models (4-wheel ABS)

Airbags:

Driver airbag standard on later models, passenger airbag not typically equipped.

Seat Belts:

Three-point front and rear seat belts

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced roof structure and A-pillars

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player. Upgradable to aftermarket units.

Instrument Cluster:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, engine temp, oil pressure. Warning lights for various systems.

Cruise Control:

Optional on some higher trim levels.

External Ports:

None (pre-OBD-II era).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).

Air Filter Replacement:

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

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years due to interference engine design.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for temperature variations).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Subaru ATF-HP or Dexron II/III equivalent.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3.

Head Gasket Leaks:

While less common on the EA82 than later EJ series engines, early signs of coolant leaks around the cylinders can indicate potential head gasket issues. The manual provides procedures for diagnosis and replacement.

Timing Belt Failure:

Due to it being an interference engine, a broken timing belt will cause internal engine damage. Strict adherence to replacement intervals is critical. The manual details belt tensioning and alignment.

Rust Corrosion:

Common for vehicles of this era, particularly in areas exposed to salt and moisture. Manual covers body repair and rust prevention.

Fuel Injector Clogging:

Can lead to rough idling or misfires. Manual provides cleaning and testing procedures.

Oxygen Sensor Failure:

Can affect fuel economy and emissions. Manual covers testing and replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a long history of producing reliable vehicles with a focus on safety and innovative engineering, particularly its boxer engines and all-wheel-drive systems.

Legacy Introduction:

The Subaru Legacy was introduced in 1989 as a replacement for the Subaru Leone. It marked a significant step upmarket for Subaru, aiming to compete with more established mid-size sedans and wagons.

First Generation Design:

The first-generation Legacy (BC/BF/BJ/BG) was designed with a more aerodynamic and refined look compared to its predecessor. It was available as a four-door sedan and a five-door wagon.

Production Period:

1989 - 1994 (First Generation)

Manufacturing Locations:

Japan (Gunma Plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver તિહાસ:

Car and Driver recognized the Subaru Legacy for its distinctive horizontally-opposed engine and all-wheel-drive capabilities, often praising its ride quality and practicality.

Motor Trend Comparisons:

The Legacy frequently appeared in comparison tests, often performing well against established competitors, particularly in adverse weather conditions due to its AWD.

Safety Perception Era:

For its time, Subaru's reputation for safety was solid, bolstered by its standard AWD on many models and robust chassis design.