🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Legacy Outback

Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

BP (Wagon), BL (Sedan)

Platform:

Subaru Third Generation Legacy Platform

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Mid-size crossover/station wagon

Target Audience:

Families, outdoor enthusiasts, drivers seeking AWD capability and utility

Key Competitors:

Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Mazda CX-7

All Wheel Drive:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system on all models

Ground Clearance:

Elevated ground clearance for off-road capability

Practicality:

Spacious interior, versatile cargo space, roof rails

📋 Manual Details

Trim Levels Covered:

All trim levels (e.g., 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 3.0R Limited)

Engine Variants Covered:

All engine variants

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Official Factory Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic & manual), drivetrain, AWD system

Chassis:

Suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (ABS, EBD), wheels, tires

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, infotainment, comfort & convenience systems, body control module (BCM), power accessories, airbags

Body:

Body panels, doors, windows, exterior trim, interior trim, climate control system, body sealing

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic tool usage

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake pad replacement

Repair:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement

Disassembly Assembly:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds

Data Availability:

Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, wiring diagrams, component locations, testing procedures

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution, searchable text, printable

Printability:

Designed for clear printing of all diagrams and text

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 2.5I:

EJ253

Engine Type 2.5I:

2.5L Boxer (H4)

Displacement 2.5I:

2457 cc (149.9 cu. in.)

Horsepower 2.5I:

170 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 2.5I:

170 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Valvetrain 2.5I:

SOHC, 16 valves

Engine Code 3.0R:

EZ30D

Engine Type 3.0R:

3.0L Boxer (H6)

Displacement 3.0R:

2999 cc (183.1 cu. in.)

Horsepower 3.0R:

245 hp @ 6600 rpm

Torque 3.0R:

215 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

Valvetrain 3.0R:

DOHC, 24 valves

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Induction:

Electronic Port Fuel Injection (PFI)

Emission Control:

California Emission Standards (LEV/PZEV where applicable)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 2.5I:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission 3.0R:

5-speed Automatic Transmission (5EAT)

Transmission 2.5I Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Active Torque Split (ATS) for 4EAT, Viscous Center Coupling for 5EAT

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 190.7 inches (4845 mm)

Width:

Approx. 70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

Approx. 61.4 inches (1560 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.1 inches (2645 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 8.1 inches (206 mm)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

Approx. 30.3 cu. ft. (858 L)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

Approx. 71.4 cu. ft. (2022 L)

Curb Weight 2.5I Manual:

Approx. 3350 lbs (1520 kg)

Curb Weight 2.5I Automatic:

Approx. 3400 lbs (1542 kg)

Curb Weight 3.0R Automatic:

Approx. 3650 lbs (1656 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver 2008:

5 Stars

NHTSA Frontal Passenger 2008:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Driver 2008:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Passenger 2008:

5 Stars

NHTSA Rollover 2008:

4 Stars

IIHS Frontal Offset Score 2008:

Good

IIHS Side Impact Score 2008:

Good

IIHS Rear Impact Score 2008:

Good

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Ebd:

Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution

Vsc:

Standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD audio system with 4 or 6 speakers. Optional premium audio systems available, including subwoofer and amplifier integration.

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed navigation system available on some higher trim levels.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Optional Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Auxiliary Input:

Standard auxiliary audio input jack

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity available on select models

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe conditions), or 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal conditions) - refer to owner's manual for specifics.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months

Spark Plug Replacement 2.5I:

Every 60,000 miles (platinum)

Spark Plug Replacement 3.0R:

Every 60,000 miles (platinum)

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Every 30,000 miles (severe conditions), 60,000 miles (normal conditions)

Coolant Replacement:

Initial replacement at 4 years/30,000 miles, then every 2 years/30,000 miles thereafter.

Engine Oil Type 2.5I:

SAE 5W-30 (API SG, SH, SJ, SL, SM, SN or ILSAC GF-2, GF-3, GF-4)

Engine Oil Capacity 2.5I:

4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter change

Engine Oil Type 3.0R:

SAE 5W-30 (API SG, SH, SJ, SL, SM, SN or ILSAC GF-2, GF-3, GF-4)

Engine Oil Capacity 3.0R:

5.8 US quarts (5.5 liters) with filter change

Transmission Fluid Automatic 4Eat:

Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent

Transmission Fluid Automatic 5Eat:

Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent

Power Steering Fluid:

Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Coolant:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Head Gaskets:

While less common on this generation than earlier ones, internal engine oil leaks or coolant leaks can sometimes indicate head gasket issues, particularly on the 2.5L engine. The manual provides diagnostic procedures.

Rear Wheel Bearings:

Some models may experience premature wear of rear wheel bearings. The manual details replacement procedures.

Power Steering Pump:

Occasional reports of noisy or failing power steering pumps. The manual covers diagnosis and replacement.

Climate Control Actuators:

Malfunctioning HVAC door actuators can cause temperature or airflow issues. The manual provides diagnostic paths for these components.

Catalytic Converter:

While not a widespread issue, catalytic converter efficiency can degrade over time. The manual aids in diagnosing exhaust system faults.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Identity:

Subaru is known for its horizontally-opposed Boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems.

Generation:

Third Generation Subaru Legacy (BP/BL chassis)

Outback Introduction:

The Outback was originally introduced as a trim level of the Legacy wagon in 1994, becoming a distinct model in 1999. For the 2008 model year, it continued to be based on the Legacy platform but with increased ride height and ruggedized styling.

Production Years Third Gen:

2003-2009

Assembly Location:

Gunma Manufacturing Plant, Subaru Corporation, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

The 2008 Outback received an IIHS Top Safety Pick award, reflecting its strong performance in crash tests.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Consumer Reports typically rated Subaru vehicles well for reliability during this period, with the Outback generally performing above average.