🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy

Year:

1999

Platform:

Second Generation (BD/BG/BK)

Chassis Codes:

BD (Sedan), BG (Wagon)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Mid-size sedan and wagon known for its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, robust engineering, and practical appeal, often favoured by those in all-weather climates.

Competitors:

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

Standout Features:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, horizontally-opposed (Boxer) engines, robust build quality, practical interior space, available wagon configuration.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Regions Covered:

North America, Global Markets (depending on specific vehicle configurations sold)

Trim Levels Covered:

L, LS, GT, Outback (for Wagon variants), likely all major trims for the model year

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (EJ22, EJ25D, EJ251, EJ253, EJ20G turbo), Transmission (4EAT, 5MT), Drivetrain (Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive)

Chassis:

Suspension (front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link), Steering (rack and pinion, power assist), Brakes (front disc, rear disc/drum depending on model, ABS)

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition system, charging system, starting system, accessories, instrument cluster, body control modules (if applicable)

Body:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, glass, HVAC system, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system

Maintenance:

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

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake system overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical system troubleshooting and repair, body panel repair

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for OBD-II systems, component testing procedures

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of Subaru-specific or recommended specialized tools for various repair procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable (OCR processed for scanned manuals)

Print Readability:

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

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

EJ22E

Engine Description 1:

2.2L SOHC Naturally Aspirated Flat-4 (Boxer)

Horsepower Ej22E:

135 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque Ej22E:

136 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Engine Code 2:

EJ25D

Engine Description 2:

2.5L DOHC Naturally Aspirated Flat-4 (Boxer) - Phase I

Horsepower Ej25D:

165 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque Ej25D:

166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Engine Code 3:

EJ20G (Turbocharged)

Engine Description 3:

2.0L DOHC Turbocharged Flat-4 (Boxer) - JDM/GT Models

Horsepower Ej20G:

220 hp @ 6000 rpm (approximate, varies by market/spec)

Torque Ej20G:

200 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate)

Compression Ratio Ej22E:

9.1:1

Compression Ratio Ej25D:

10.0:1

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Ignition System:

Distributorless Electronic Ignition (DS-ICM for some models), Distributor type for earlier models/markets

ECU Type:

ECU/ECM controlled, OBD-II compliant

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 1:

5-speed Manual Transmission (5MT)

Transmission Type 2:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)

Drivetrain Layout:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on all trims)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Selectable AWD modes (e.g., Power/Economy mode)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (or equivalent API GL-5, SAE 75W-90)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent DEXRON-III/MERCON)

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

4645 mm (183 in)

Length Wagon:

4650 mm (183.1 in)

Width:

1700 mm (66.9 in)

Height Sedan:

1405 mm (55.3 in)

Height Wagon:

1465 mm (57.7 in) / 1545 mm (60.8 in) for Outback

Wheelbase:

2630 mm (103.5 in)

Curb Weight Est:

1380-1500 kg (3042-3307 lbs) depending on configuration

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4-star (for models with dual airbags)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4-star (for models with dual airbags)

IIHS Side Impact:

N/A (testing methods differed significantly)

ABS:

Available (standard on GT, optional on others)

AWD:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard)

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags (standard on most trims), side airbags not widely available for this model year

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette tape, optional premium sound system.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control systems depending on trim level.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional based on trim.

OBD Ii:

Yes, compliant with OBD-II standards for emissions and diagnostics.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

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 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (Platinum tipped)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months (critical for EJ series engines)

Engine Oil Capacity Ej22E:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter

Engine Oil Capacity Ej25D:

4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter

Engine Oil Type:

API SJ, SAE 5W-30 (check manual for climate variations)

Coolant Capacity:

6.9 US quarts (6.5 L) (50/50 mix of Subaru Super Coolant and distilled water)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Head Gaskets:

The EJ25D engine (2.5L DOHC) is known for a higher incidence of head gasket failure due to its design. The EJ22E (2.2L SOHC) is generally considered more robust in this regard.

Automatic Transmission Cooler Lines:

Corrosion of external transmission cooler lines can lead to leaks and eventual transmission failure. Regular inspection is recommended.

Crankshaft Position Sensor:

Failure of the crankshaft position sensor can lead to intermittent stalling or no-start conditions.

Idle Air Control Valve:

Can become dirty or faulty, causing rough idling or stalling.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Identity:

Known for its commitment to safety, reliability, and all-wheel-drive technology, originating from the Fuji Heavy Industries automotive division.

Second Gen Legacy:

The 1999 model is part of the second generation (BD/BG/BK) of the Subaru Legacy, which ran from 1993 to 1999. This generation introduced updated styling, improved chassis dynamics, and refined engines. The 1999 model year typically represents the final iteration of this generation before the introduction of the third generation (BP/BL).

Manufacturing Location:

Japan (Gunma Plant)

Production Years:

1993-1999 (Second Generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Reputation:

Subaru vehicles, including the Legacy of this era, were often recognized for their durability and capability, especially in adverse weather conditions due to AWD.

Consumer Reports:

While specific ratings for the 1999 model year may vary, Subaru generally maintained a reputation for good reliability and performance in reports of this period, with the exception noted for EJ25D head gaskets.