Generation:
Third Generation (BD/BG/BK/BH/BP/BL)
Years Covered:
1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Chassis Codes:
BD (sedan), BG (wagon), BK (GT wagon), BH (wagon), BP (wagon), BL (sedan)
Segment:
Mid-size sedan and wagon, known for its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system and horizontally opposed (Boxer) engines.
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mazda 626, Ford Taurus, Volkswagen Passat
Standard AWD:
Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, offering superior traction and stability in various weather conditions.
Engine Layout:
Horizontally opposed 'Boxer' engines, providing a lower center of gravity for improved handling.
Durability:
Reputation for robust construction and longevity, particularly with proper maintenance.
Continents Regions:
North America, Europe, Asia, Australia (specific regional variations may apply)
Trim Levels:
L, LS, GT, Outback (all 1995-2003 variants)
Total Pages:
Estimated 5000+ pages across all included manuals (comprehensive collection)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication, cooling system, exhaust system, engine control system (ECU/ECM), turbocharger systems (where applicable)
Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (MT), automatic transmission (AT), all-wheel drive (AWD) system, viscous coupling unit (VCU), differentials (front, center, rear), drive axles, CV joints
Chassis:
Suspension (front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link), steering system (power rack and pinion), brakes (front vented discs, rear discs/drums depending on model/year), ABS system
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, charging system, starting system, battery, instrumentation, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), audio system, climate control electrics, SRS (Airbag) system
Bodywork:
Exterior body panels, doors, hoods, trunk/tailgate, bumpers, glass, interior trim, seats, body sealing
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes (coolant, brake, power steering, transmission, differential), spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/rotor service, tire rotation
Repair:
Engine component overhaul (e.g., cylinder head gasket, timing belt/chain), transmission rebuild, clutch replacement, suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, bushings, ball joints), brake system repair, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for engine performance issues, transmission faults, electrical system problems, ABS warnings, HVAC malfunctions, starting and charging system issues
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) system information, fault code retrieval and interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance and basic repairs to complex diagnostics and complete component overhauls and rebuilds.
Quality:
High-resolution scans, searchable text where available, clear images and diagrams
Searchability:
Optimized for keyword searching within the PDF documents
Printability:
Designed to be easily printed for workshop use
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format - PDF)
Paper:
N/A (Digital Format - PDF)
Engine Code:
EJ22 (2.2L), EJ25 (2.5L SOHC/DOHC), EJ20 (2.0L Turbocharged - select markets/GT models)
Displacement:
2.2L (2200cc), 2.5L (2498cc), 2.0L (1994cc Turbo)
Horsepower:
Approx. 135-145 hp (2.2L/2.5L NA), 210-225 hp (2.0L Turbo GT)
Torque:
Approx. 137-145 lb-ft (2.2L/2.5L NA), 200-210 lb-ft (2.0L Turbo GT)
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended for NA, 91+ for Turbo)
Cooling System:
Pressurized liquid cooling system
Belt Chain:
Timing Belt (with hydraulic tensioner and idler pulleys for EJ22 and EJ25 NA). Turbocharged models also use a timing belt.
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. MT models typically feature a viscous coupling center differential. AT models use electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON compatible fluid
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (front and rear, center diff typically uses AT fluid in AT models)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.3 inches (2649 mm)
Length:
Approx. 185.4 inches (4709 mm) for sedans, 186.6 inches (4740 mm) for wagons
Width:
Approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.9 inches (1420 mm) for sedans, 58.7 inches (1491 mm) for wagons
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3100-3500 lbs (1406-1588 kg) depending on body style and drivetrain
NHTSA Front Crash:
Good (for frontal impact on models tested, though specific year ratings vary)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable/Good (depending on specific year and equipment, side airbags became more common later in the generation)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (standard on most models, 4-channel ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags (standard). Side airbags optional on later models.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners and load limiters for front seats
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player and optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems, depending on trim level.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, particularly later ones.
Oem Features:
Limited by era; primarily focused on basic vehicle functions and audio. No factory Bluetooth or USB ports.
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Synthetic oil recommended for longer intervals.
Timing Belt:
Replace every 60,000-105,000 miles (96,000-169,000 km) or 5-7 years, depending on model year and specific engine. Critical maintenance item due to potential for catastrophic engine damage if it breaks.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km). Manual: Check condition, often replaced at higher mileages or if issues arise.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.7 quarts (4.4 liters) for 2.2L/2.5L engines, with filter change
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for climate-specific recommendations)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Head Gasket Leaks:
Common issue on EJ25 DOHC engines, especially early versions, often leading to coolant loss and overheating. The manual will detail replacement procedures.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket leaks can occur with age and mileage.
Viscous Coupling Unit Wear:
The center viscous coupling in the AWD system can wear out, leading to AWD malfunction or binding. Manual covers diagnosis and replacement.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings, ball joints, and struts/shocks can wear over time, affecting ride quality and handling.
Subaru History:
Fuji Heavy Industries (now Subaru Corporation) has a long history in aviation and automotive engineering, known for its boxer engines and Symmetrical AWD system since the 1970s.
Generation Overview:
The third generation (BD/BG/BK/BH/BP/BL) marked a significant redesign, introducing more aerodynamic styling, improved interior space, and enhanced safety features. It continued the tradition of AWD and boxer engines, offering both sedan and wagon body styles, including the sporty GT and the more rugged Outback variants.
Manufacturing Location:
Gunma Plant, Japan
Sales Performance:
Consistently strong sales in North America, particularly for the AWD capability and Outback variants which helped define a new niche.
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Certain Subaru models in this era received good safety ratings from IIHS, contributing to Subaru's reputation for safety.
Car And Driver 10Best:
While not always on the '10Best' list, Subaru Legacys, especially the GT models, were often praised for their performance and AWD capability in reviews.
California Emissions:
Many models were designed to meet California LEV (Low Emission Vehicle) standards, relevant for diagnosis and repair.
