The Subaru Legacy, specifically the 4th Generation (BP/BL) produced for the 2008 model year, represents Subaru's commitment to providing reliable, all-wheel-drive vehicles. Known for its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and horizontally-opposed Boxer engine configuration, the Legacy offers a comfortable ride and strong safety ratings, making it a practical choice for drivers in various conditions. Available as both a sedan (BL chassis code) and a wagon (BP chassis code), this mid-size vehicle appeals to those seeking a blend of safety, practicality, and capable performance, distinguishing itself from competitors through its unique drivetrain and engineering. This comprehensive factory service manual provides essential technical information for the 2008 Subaru Legacy, covering all trim levels offered in North America, including the 2.5i and GT variants. With over 2000 pages of detailed content, the manual thoroughly addresses powertrain systems, including naturally aspirated and turbocharged Boxer engines and the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive drivetrain, as well as chassis, electrical, and body components. It serves as an indispensable resource for owners, mechanics, and technicians, offering detailed maintenance schedules, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting guides, electrical schematics, and step-by-step repair instructions, ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of the vehicle. 🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Subaru Model: Legacy Year: 2008 Generation Generation Code: 4th Generation (BP/BL) Codes Chassis Codes: BP (Wagon), BL (Sedan) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Mid-size Sedan/Wagon Target Audience: Drivers seeking a reliable, all-wheel-drive vehicle with a focus on safety and practicality, often appealing to families and those in inclement weather regions. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda6, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima Key Features Differentiators: Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer engine configuration, strong safety ratings, comfortable ride. Manual Advantage Advantage: Provides in-depth technical knowledge essential for maintaining and repairing the vehicle, saving on dealership service costs. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Trim Levels: All trim levels including 2.5i, GT, GT Limited, spec.B Regions: North America Page Count Estimated Pages: Over 2000 pages (typical for full service manual) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (2.5L Naturally Aspirated, 2.5L Turbocharged EJ255), Transmission (5-speed Automatic, 6-speed Manual), Drivetrain (Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive) Chassis: Suspension (front/rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, EBD, BA), Wheels, Tires Electrical: Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Lighting, Audio System, HVAC Controls, SRS (Airbag) System, Keyless Entry, Immobilizer Body: Body Panel Repair, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Glass, Doors, Hood, Trunk Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical schematics, flow charts Repair: Component removal and installation, component repair, system overhauls Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive (from basic fluid checks to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics) 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable, allowing for quick access to specific topics Print Quality Quality: High resolution scans of original factory documentation Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code 1: EJ253 (2.5L SOHC NA) Displacement 1: 2.5 Liters (2457 cc) Horsepower 1: 173 hp @ 5600 rpm Torque 1: 166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Compression Ratio 1: 9.7:1 Fuel Type 1: Unleaded Gasoline Engine Code 2: EJ255 (2.5L DOHC Turbocharged) Displacement 2: 2.5 Liters (2457 cc) Horsepower 2: 243 hp @ 5600 rpm (GT), 250 hp @ 5600 rpm (spec.B) Torque 2: 241 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (GT), 250 lb-ft @ 2000-6000 rpm (spec.B) Compression Ratio 2: 8.4:1 Fuel Type 2: Premium Unleaded Gasoline Fuel System Injection Type: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) Ignition System: Coil-on-plug (COP) ignition 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Na: 5-Speed Automatic (4EAT) Transmission Type Turbo: 6-Speed Manual Optional Transmission Type Optional Na: 5-Speed Manual (early models, less common) Features Drivetrain: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard on all models AWD Type: Active AWD (5-speed auto), DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential) on spec.B manual Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid: Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent Dexter 3-H) Manual Transmission Fluid: Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (or 75W-90 synthetic GL-5) Differentials Fluid: Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (or 75W-90 synthetic GL-5) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length Sedan: 187.6 inches (4765 mm) Length Wagon: 190.0 inches (4825 mm) Width: 69.1 inches (1755 mm) Height Sedan: 57.1 inches (1450 mm) Height Wagon: 58.1 inches (1475 mm) Wheelbase: 105.1 inches (2670 mm) Weights Curb Weight Range: 3300 - 3600 lbs (approx.) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Overall Rating: 5-Star (for 2008 model year) IIHS Top Safety Pick: Yes (Good ratings in frontal, side, and rear impacts) Active Features Active Safety: All-Wheel Drive, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Passive Features Passive Safety: Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, 3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners. 💡 Technology Features...
The Subaru Legacy, specifically the 4th Generation (BP/BL) produced for the 2008 model year, represents Subaru's commitment to providing reliable, all-wheel-drive vehicles. Known for its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and horizontally-opposed Boxer engine configuration, the Legacy offers a comfortable ride and strong safety ratings, making it a practical choice for drivers in various conditions. Available as both a sedan (BL chassis code) and a wagon (BP chassis code), this mid-size vehicle appeals to those seeking a blend of safety, practicality, and capable performance, distinguishing itself from competitors through its unique drivetrain and engineering.
This comprehensive factory service manual provides essential technical information for the 2008 Subaru Legacy, covering all trim levels offered in North America, including the 2.5i and GT variants. With over 2000 pages of detailed content, the manual thoroughly addresses powertrain systems, including naturally aspirated and turbocharged Boxer engines and the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive drivetrain, as well as chassis, electrical, and body components. It serves as an indispensable resource for owners, mechanics, and technicians, offering detailed maintenance schedules, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting guides, electrical schematics, and step-by-step repair instructions, ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of the vehicle.
🏷️ Basic Information
Identification
Make:
Subaru
Model:
Legacy
Year:
2008
Generation
Generation Code:
4th Generation (BP/BL)
Codes
Chassis Codes:
BP (Wagon), BL (Sedan)
👋 Introduction
Market Position
Segment:
Mid-size Sedan/Wagon
Target Audience:
Drivers seeking a reliable, all-wheel-drive vehicle with a focus on safety and practicality, often appealing to families and those in inclement weather regions.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda6, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima
Yes (Good ratings in frontal, side, and rear impacts)
Active Features
Active Safety:
All-Wheel Drive, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Passive Features
Passive Safety:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, 3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Available AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with 4 or 6 speakers. Optional SiriusXM satellite radio. Limited touchscreen functionality.
Driver Assistance
Driver Aids:
ABS, EBD, BA, TCS, ESC are standard. Optional HID headlights on higher trims.
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
Auxiliary audio input jack. Bluetooth connectivity was not widely available or standard in this model year.
Comfort Features
Comfort Tech:
Dual-zone automatic climate control (optional), heated front seats (optional), power adjustable driver's seat (optional).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe conditions) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal conditions) - Refer to manual for specific engine oil type and capacity.
Engine Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (check condition)
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (check condition)
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles (NA engine) / 30,000 miles (turbocharged engine)
Coolant Flush:
Replace every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Capacity Na:
4.8 US quarts (4.6 L) with filter (for 2.5L NA engine)
Engine Oil Capacity Turbo:
5.5 US quarts (5.2 L) with filter (for 2.5L Turbo engine)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SM or higher) - Check manual for specific viscosity and certifications
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent
Known Issues
Head Gaskets:
While the EJ253 (NA) engine generally avoided the severe head gasket issues of earlier EJ25 models, it's still a common area to inspect on higher mileage vehicles. The EJ255 (turbo) engines are less prone but still require attention.
Turbocharger Lag:
Turbocharged models (GT) can experience some turbo lag, typical for the era. Maintenance of intercooler and boost control systems is crucial.
Clutch Wear:
Manual transmission models can experience clutch wear, especially with aggressive driving. Clutch replacement is a common repair.
Suspension Components:
Worn sway bar links and bushings are common on higher mileage vehicles, leading to knocking noises or reduced handling.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Subaru Origin:
Japanese manufacturer known for its horizontally-opposed Boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems since the 1970s.
Model Evolution
Legacy Introduction:
The Subaru Legacy was first introduced in 1989 as a replacement for the Subaru Leone.
Fourth Generation Debut:
The 4th generation (BP/BL) debuted in 2003 for the 2004 model year and received a facelift in 2007 for the 2008 model year, which included revised styling and powertrains.
Production
Production Location:
Gunma Manufacturing Plant, Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Safety Awards:
Consistently received high safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, contributing to Subaru's reputation for safety.
Consumer Reports:
Often cited for good reliability in certain areas, though some model years and engines had specific concerns (addressed in maintenance section).