Market Segment:
Mid-size sedan and wagon, known for its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system and boxer engines.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mazda6.
All Wheel Drive:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard on most, if not all, models in this generation.
Engine Type:
Horizontally-opposed ('Boxer') engines.
Bodystyles:
Available as a 4-door Sedan (BL chassis) and a 5-door Wagon (BP chassis).
General Coverage:
Comprehensive workshop repair procedures for all systems.
Estimated Page Count:
1500-2500+ (typical for full service manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (Instant Download, likely PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine electrical.
Transmission:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission (including CVT for some variants), driveline, differentials, axles, AWD system.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, ABS, EBD), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system diagrams, wiring harnesses, lighting, power windows, locks, mirrors, HVAC controls, audio systems, instrument cluster, ECU, sensors.
Body:
Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, glass, seals.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuild (short block, long block, cylinder heads), transmission overhaul, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, component testing procedures.
Installation Procedures:
Component replacement and installation, accessory installation (if covered).
Depth Of Coverage:
Detailed, step-by-step instructions for all workshop repair procedures, including engine re-wiring and rebuilding.
Diagrams:
Includes step-by-step diagrams and electrical diagrams.
Engine Codes:
EJ253 (2.5L SOHC NA), EJ255 (2.5L DOHC Turbo - GT models), EJ30D (3.0L DOHC NA - H6 models).
Engine Displacement Liters:
2.5L, 3.0L
Engine Configuration:
Flat-four (Boxer-4) and Flat-six (Boxer-6).
Horsepower Range:
165-250 HP (approximate, varies by engine and trim)
Torque Range:
166-250 lb-ft (approximate, varies by engine and trim)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI).
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane (NA models), 91 Octane (Turbo models).
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (AT), Sportshift Automatic Transmission, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in some markets/trims.
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) standard.
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
5-Star (for many models within this generation)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Commonly received 'Good' ratings in crash tests.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Ebd:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) and Vehicle Stability Control (VDC).
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags (depending on trim).
Seatbelts:
Pretensioner seatbelts with force limiters.
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM/CD stereo systems with available premium audio and subwoofer. Optional navigation systems available on higher trims.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Keyless Entry:
Available keyless entry and remote start.
Auxiliary Input:
Some models may feature an auxiliary audio input jack.
Oil Change Interval Miles:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe conditions) or 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal conditions), depending on oil type and driving habits.
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
Approx. 60,000 - 105,000 miles (depending on plug type and engine).
Timing Belt Replacement Miles:
For 2.5L DOHC Turbo (EJ255), typically every 105,000 miles or 7 years. NA engines may use a timing chain (check specific engine).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SN or higher recommended). Check owner's manual for specific viscosity and API service category.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent P-HOAT coolant.
Transmission Fluid Atf:
Subaru ATF-HP (for automatic transmissions). Refer to manual for specific type for your transmission variant.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (75W-90 GL-5) or equivalent.
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent than in earlier generations, head gasket leaks can still occur, especially on higher-mileage 2.5L SOHC NA engines.
Turbo Charger:
Oil starvation and bearing failure can occur on turbocharged GT models if maintenance intervals are neglected or if oil quality is poor.
Suspension Components:
Wear on ball joints, control arm bushings, and sway bar links can lead to clunks and alignment issues.
Subaru Heritage:
Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation, has a long history of producing vehicles with horizontally-opposed engines and All-Wheel Drive systems, particularly in rally racing.
Fourth Generation:
This period (2003-2009) represents the fourth generation of the Subaru Legacy, codenamed BL (sedan) and BP (wagon).
Design Changes:
Introduced a significant redesign from the previous generation, with a more rounded and aerodynamic exterior. The introduction of the 3.0L H6 engine was a key feature for premium models.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan (Gunma Plant).
IIHS Ratings History:
Subaru Legacy models from this generation consistently performed well in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crashworthiness tests, often earning 'Good' ratings.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Received mixed reviews in Consumer Reports for reliability during this generation, with some model years and powertrain combinations performing better than others. Engine oil consumption and head gasket issues were noted in some reports.
