🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Subaru Model: Legacy Model Years Covered: 1995, 1996, 1997 Codes Platform Chassis Code: BD/BG/BK (Second Generation) 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: Mid-size sedan/wagon known for AWD and practicality in its segment. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda 626, Ford Taurus, Nissan Altima. Key Features Differentiating Features: Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) across most trims, boxer engine configuration, robust build. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Repair and Service Secondary Coverage: Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1500-2000+ (comprehensive digital format) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine assembly, disassembly, internal components, timing, valve train Engine Management: Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, sensors, ECU diagnostics Transmission: Automatic and Manual Transmission service, overhaul, components, AWD system Drivetrain: Front and Rear differentials, drive axles, CV joints, propeller shaft Suspension: Front and Rear suspension components, alignment, shock absorbers, springs Steering: Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, rack and pinion Brakes: Hydraulic system, ABS, disc and drum brake service, bleeding, components Electrical System: Charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body electronics HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system service and repair Body And Interior: Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seating, upholstery Chassis: Frame, body mounting, structural components Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements, tire rotations Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides for common issues, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation Repair Procedures: Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair Rebuilds: Detailed procedures for engine and transmission overhauls Adjustments: Alignment, brake adjustments, clutch adjustments Wiring Diagrams: Comprehensive electrical schematics for all systems Specifications: Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, resistance readings Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds Target Audience: Professional Technicians and Experienced DIYers 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Text-searchable Print Quality Quality: High-resolution, printable pages Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code And Type: EJ22 (2.2L SOHC Boxer-4), EJ25D (2.5L DOHC Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4) - Phase I DOHC Displacement Liter: 2.2L (2200cc) and 2.5L (2500cc) Performance Horsepower Approx Ej22: 130 HP @ 5500 RPM Torque Approx Ej22: 137 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM Horsepower Approx Ej25D: 165 HP @ 6000 RPM Torque Approx Ej25D: 162 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Recommended Fuel: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane or higher) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT) Optional Transmission Type Optional: 4-speed Automatic Transmission (AT) Features AWD System: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Active AWD for automatic, viscous center coupling for manual) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Inches: 104.3 Length Inches Sedan: 187.0 Length Inches Wagon: 188.0 Width Inches: 69.4 Height Inches Sedan: 55.7 Height Inches Wagon: 57.7 Weights Curb Weight Lbs Approx: 3000-3300 (depending on trim and transmission) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Driver Side Impact 1995 1997: 5-star (for sedans) NHTSA Front Passenger Side Impact 1995 1997: 4-star (for sedans) Active Features ABS: Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Passenger Front Airbags Seatbelts: Three-point front and rear seatbelts 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM/CD or Cassette player with 4-6 speaker system. Climate Control: Manual or automatic climate control systems depending on trim level. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control on most trims. Connectivity Aux Input Usb: N/A (No factory auxiliary or USB inputs) 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,750 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions) Timing Belt Replacement: Every 105,000 miles or 7 years (crucial for EJ series engines due to interference design) Spark Plug Replacement: Around 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (check specific engine and climate) Coolant Type: Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant Transmission Fluid Atf: Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent Dexron-III/Mercon compatible fluid Manual Transmission Fluid Type: API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil Known Issues Ej25D Headgaskets: The 2.5L DOHC EJ25D engine (Phase I) is known for potential head gasket failures, especially if not properly maintained. This is a common repair. Oil Leaks: Valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets can leak over time. ABS Sensors: ABS wheel speed sensors can fail, leading to ABS warning lights. Suspension Wear: Bushings and ball joints can wear out, leading to knocking sounds or poor handling. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Subaru Heritage: Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a long history in aviation and automotive manufacturing, known for its boxer engines and Symmetrical AWD systems. Model Evolution Second Generation Launch: The 1995 model year marked the introduction of the second...
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Active AWD for automatic, viscous center coupling for manual)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Inches:
104.3
Length Inches Sedan:
187.0
Length Inches Wagon:
188.0
Width Inches:
69.4
Height Inches Sedan:
55.7
Height Inches Wagon:
57.7
Weights
Curb Weight Lbs Approx:
3000-3300 (depending on trim and transmission)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Driver Side Impact 1995 1997:
5-star (for sedans)
NHTSA Front Passenger Side Impact 1995 1997:
4-star (for sedans)
Active Features
ABS:
Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Front Airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD or Cassette player with 4-6 speaker system.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems depending on trim level.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control on most trims.
Connectivity
Aux Input Usb:
N/A (No factory auxiliary or USB inputs)
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles or 7 years (crucial for EJ series engines due to interference design)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (check specific engine and climate)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant
Transmission Fluid Atf:
Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent Dexron-III/Mercon compatible fluid
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 gear oil
Known Issues
Ej25D Headgaskets:
The 2.5L DOHC EJ25D engine (Phase I) is known for potential head gasket failures, especially if not properly maintained. This is a common repair.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets can leak over time.
ABS Sensors:
ABS wheel speed sensors can fail, leading to ABS warning lights.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings and ball joints can wear out, leading to knocking sounds or poor handling.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Subaru Heritage:
Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries), has a long history in aviation and automotive manufacturing, known for its boxer engines and Symmetrical AWD systems.
Model Evolution
Second Generation Launch:
The 1995 model year marked the introduction of the second generation (BD/BG/BK chassis) Legacy, a significant redesign from the first generation.
Key Updates Within Generation:
The 2.5L DOHC EJ25D engine was introduced in 1996, replacing the less powerful 2.2L engine in many trims and offering improved performance. Styling updates were also made over the years.
Production
Production Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Often rated as average to good for reliability by publications like Consumer Reports during its production years, with some models receiving praise for AWD performance and durability.
Car And Driver Contender:
Frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best lists in previous generations and was a solid contender in the mid-size segment.