🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy & Outback

Chassis Codes:

BM (Sedan), BR (Wagon)

Generation Designation:

Fifth Generation (2010-2014), with the manual covering the later facelift years.

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size car (Sedan) and mid-size crossover SUV (Wagon), known for Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

Competitors:

Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda6 (Legacy); Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue (Outback).

Standard AWD:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system for enhanced traction and stability in various conditions.

Horizontally Opposed Engine:

Subaru's signature Boxer engine, offering a lower center of gravity for improved handling.

Outback Ground Clearance:

The Outback variant offers increased ground clearance and rugged styling, distinguishing it as a more capable crossover.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Years:

2014-2015

Manual Type:

Factory Service & Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF compatible)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Service:

Detailed procedures for engine assembly, disassembly, troubleshooting, diagnostics, cooling system, lubrication system, and exhaust system.

Transmission Service:

Coverage for both automatic (CVT/5AT) and manual transmissions, including fluid changes, internal component repair, torque converter servicing, and clutch assembly for manual transmissions.

Drivetrain Service:

Front and rear differentials, drive shafts, CV joints, and all-wheel-drive system maintenance and repair.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components, wheel alignment specifications, power steering system, rack and pinion repair.

Braking System:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS, brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake lines, parking brake system.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, power windows, locks, mirrors, and comfort features.

Body Chassis:

Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, seats, door mechanisms, exterior lighting, bumpers, chassis lubrication.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control system diagnosis and repair.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel lines, evaporative emission control (EVAP).

Emissions Control:

Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, PCV system, EGR system.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, tire rotations, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostic charts for common and complex issues, error code interpretation, electrical system diagnosis.

Engine Rebuild:

Complete engine teardown and reassembly procedures, including piston ring replacement, bearing replacement, cylinder head gasket replacement, valve adjustment.

Transmission Repair:

Detailed instructions for disassembling, inspecting, and rebuilding transmissions, including clutch pack replacement for automatics and gear replacement for manuals.

Brake Service:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper servicing, brake bleeding procedures, parking brake adjustment.

Suspension Component Replacement:

Ball joint, control arm, strut, shock absorber, sway bar link replacement procedures.

Electrical Component Replacement:

Alternator, starter motor, battery, head unit, lighting component replacement.

Body Panel Alignment:

Instructions for removing and installing fenders, doors, hood, trunk lid, and ensuring proper panel gaps.

HVAC System Repair:

Refrigerant recharging, compressor replacement, evaporator/condenser servicing, blend door actuator replacement.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes and inspections to full engine and transmission overhauls and complex electrical system diagnostics.

Diagnostic Capability:

Includes detailed diagnostic flowcharts, component testing procedures, and specifications for identifying and resolving issues.

Torque Specifications:

Extensive list of torque specifications for all critical fasteners, ensuring proper assembly and component integrity.

Wiring Diagrams:

High-quality, detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, aiding in troubleshooting and repair of electrical faults.

Special Tool Requirements:

Identification of any specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format) - enables searchability and widespread compatibility.

Print Quality Recommendation:

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

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital format, not physically bound)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format, not printed on paper)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 2.5I:

EJ253 (Naturally Aspirated) / FB25B (Direct Injection)

Engine Displacement 2.5I:

2.5 Liters (2498cc)

Engine Configuration 2.5I:

Horizontally-Opposed 4-Cylinder (Boxer)

Horsepower 2.5I:

Approximately 170-175 hp @ 5600-5800 rpm (depending on specific year and DOHC/SOHC configuration)

Torque 2.5I:

Approximately 170-177 lb-ft @ 4000-4400 rpm

Engine Code 3.6R:

EZ36D

Engine Displacement 3.6R:

3.6 Liters (3630cc)

Engine Configuration 3.6R:

Horizontally-Opposed 6-Cylinder (Boxer)

Horsepower 3.6R:

Approximately 256 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 3.6R:

Approximately 247 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Fuel Delivery 2.5I:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPFI) for EJ253, Direct Injection (DI) for FB25B.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended, 91 or higher for optimal performance)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission (for Legacy and some Outback trims)

Transmission Optional:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) - Lineartronic, 5-speed Automatic Transmission (5AT) for 3.6R models.

AWD System Type:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Varies between manual and automatic/CVT).

Cvt Features:

Paddle shifters (on some trims), simulated gear shifts.

Cvt Fluid Type:

Subaru CVT Fluid (NS-2/NS-3 equivalent, check manual for specific Subaru part number, e.g., K0515J0270)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Subaru ATF HP (e.g., P/N K051624A00), consult manual for exact specification for 5AT.

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

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

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

2750 mm (108.3 in)

Length Outback:

4790 mm (188.6 in)

Length Legacy:

4790 mm (188.6 in)

Width Outback:

1820 mm (71.7 in)

Width Legacy:

1780 mm (70.1 in)

Height Outback:

1605 mm (63.2 in)

Height Legacy:

1505 mm (59.3 in)

Ground Clearance Outback:

220 mm (8.7 in)

Ground Clearance Legacy:

145 mm (5.7 in)

Curb Weight 2.5I:

1500-1600 kg (3300-3500 lbs) approx.

Curb Weight 3.6R:

1600-1700 kg (3500-3750 lbs) approx.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating 2014:

5-Star (for both sedan and wagon variants)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Both Legacy and Outback models received 'Top Safety Pick' or 'Top Safety Pick+' awards during this period for their excellent crashworthiness.

Active Safety Suite:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

Optional Driver Assistance:

Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (available on select trims), which includes Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, and Pre-Collision Throttle Management.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags (front and rear), driver's knee airbag.

Structure:

High-strength steel body structure, front crumple zone.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Subaru's STARLINK infotainment system, typically featuring a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and optional navigation.

Audio Options:

Standard 4-speaker or optional 6-speaker audio systems. Higher trims may offer Harman Kardon premium audio.

Eye Sight Features:

Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure Warning, Sway Warning.

Other Assistance Features:

Rearview camera (standard on many trims), available blind-spot monitoring, lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB and auxiliary audio input jacks. Some models may offer Siri Eyes Free.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe driving conditions may require more frequent changes.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 15,000 miles or 12 months.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 12,000 miles or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 105,000 miles for iridium-tipped spark plugs.

Coolant Replacement:

Initial replacement at 137,500 miles or 11 years, then every 75,000 miles or 5 years thereafter.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-20, API SN or newer. Consult manual for exact specification and capacity (e.g., 5.1 qts for 2.5L).

Engine Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free long-life coolant. Capacity approx. 6.9 qts for 2.5L.

Brake Fluid Type:

SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Subaru All-Season Synthetic Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent DEXRON III/VI compatible).

Head Gasket Concerns:

While the EJ253 engine in earlier generations was prone to head gasket issues, Subaru made improvements for the BM/BR generation. However, monitoring for coolant leaks and oil consumption remains prudent.

Cv Axle Boots:

Premature wear or tearing of CV axle boots can lead to contamination and eventual CV joint failure, especially in off-road or harsh conditions for Outback models.

Wheel Bearing Noise:

Wheel bearings can wear over time, leading to humming or grinding noises that increase with speed.

Catalytic Converter Failures:

Certain model years and engine combinations have seen some reports of premature catalytic converter failure, often associated with oil consumption or other engine issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a long history dating back to its origins as an aircraft manufacturer. It is renowned for its pioneering use of the boxer engine and its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

Legacy Evolution:

The Legacy, first introduced in 1989, has evolved through several generations, moving from a compact to a mid-size sedan. The BM/BR generation represents the fifth iteration, marked by a significant redesign and the introduction of the EyeSight system.

Outback Evolution:

The Outback originated as a trim level of the Legacy station wagon (Legacy Outback) in the early 1990s before becoming a distinct model. It's characterized by increased ground clearance, SUV-like styling cues, and standard AWD, effectively creating the 'crossover' segment.

Manufacturing Location:

Primary manufacturing for these models during this period was at Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA) in Lafayette, Indiana, USA, and also in Gunma, Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Awards:

Consistent recognition from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as a 'Top Safety Pick' or 'Top Safety Pick+' for its safety performance.

Kbb Ratings:

Often cited by Kelley Blue Book for strong resale value and overall dependability.

Consumer Reports Rankings:

Generally receives good to above-average reliability ratings from Consumer Reports, particularly for the powertrain and AWD system.