🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Subaru Model: Impreza WRX/STI Year: 2012 Codes Chassis Code: GE/GH (WRX), GR/GV (STI) Engine Code Wrx: EJ255 (2.5L Turbocharged Flat-Four) Engine Code Sti: EJ257 (2.5L Turbocharged Flat-Four) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Performance Compact / Sport Sedan Target Audience: Enthusiast drivers, rally fans, owners seeking to maintain or modify their WRX/STI Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Focus RS (later generations) Key Features Performance Focus: Emphasizes the rally-bred heritage, turbocharged power, and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) system. Manual Value: Provides authoritative information for DIY repairs, modifications, and in-depth understanding of the vehicle's complex systems. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI Secondary Coverage: Potentially applicable to late 2011 and early 2013 models with minor variations Page Count Estimated Page Count: ~2000-3000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Download (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (EJ255, EJ257), Turbocharger System, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Manual and Automatic variants), Drivetrain (Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Differentials, Axles) Chassis: Suspension (Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Double Wishbone), Steering System, Brakes (ABS, VDC), Wheels and Tires Electrical: Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories, Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Audio System, SRS (Airbag) System Body: Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Locks, Interior Trim, Seating, Safety Restraints Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled Maintenance (Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks), Tune-ups, Inspections Repair: Component Removal and Installation, Overhauls, Adjustments, Troubleshooting and Diagnosis Diagnostics: OBD-II Diagnostic Codes, Diagnostic Procedures for all major systems, Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic trees and specifications for all repair procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Searchable text content for quick information retrieval Print Quality Image Resolution: High-resolution illustrations, diagrams, and photographs Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Type Wrx: 2.5L DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged Boxer (EJ255) Type Sti: 2.5L DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged Boxer (EJ257) Performance Horsepower Wrx: 265 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque Wrx: 244 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Horsepower Sti: 305 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque Sti: 290 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Fuel System Injection Type: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) with Top-Feed Injectors Fuel Grade Recommendation: Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher) Engine Management ECU Type: Denso ECU (Specific model numbers will be detailed in the manual) Cooling System Coolant Type: Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant Turbocharger Type Wrx: Mitsubishi TD04L-13T (approx.) Type Sti: IHI VF48 🔧 Transmission Standard Type Wrx: 5-Speed Manual Type Sti: 6-Speed Manual (TY856WB1AA) Optional Automatic Transmission: No automatic transmission offered for WRX/STI variants in this model year. Features Drivetrain Layout: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) with Front Helical Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) and Rear Viscous Coupling LSD (WRX), Front Helical LSD, DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential) and Rear Helical LSD (STI) Fluid Specifications Manual Gear Oil Spec: GL-4 75W-90 for front and rear differentials, GL-4 75W-90 for transfer case and transmission (specific Subaru specs may differ, consult manual) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 103.3 inches (2624 mm) Length: 173.8 inches (4415 mm) Width: 70.1 inches (1780 mm) Height: 57.7 inches (1465 mm) Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches) Wheel Size: 17x8.0 inches (WRX), 18x8.5 inches (STI) Tire Size Wrx: 235/45R17 Tire Size Sti: 245/40R18 Weights Curb Weight Wrx: ~3200-3300 lbs (1450-1500 kg) Curb Weight Sti: ~3350-3450 lbs (1520-1565 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 5-Star (2012 Model) IIHS Top Safety Pick: Top Safety Pick (2012 Model) Active Features Vehicle Dynamics Control: Standard (VDC) with selectable modes, includes yaw rate, lateral acceleration, and brake pressure sensors. Traction Control: Standard Anti Lock Brakes: Standard (ABS) Passive Features Airbags: Front, Front Side-Impact, Side Curtain Airbags Seat Belts: Pretensioner and Force Limiter Front Seatbelts, Three-Point Rear Seatbelts Child Seat Anchors: LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input. Higher trims may feature Rockford Fosgate audio, Bluetooth, and navigation. Instrument Cluster: Features tachometer, speedometer, multi-function display (fuel economy, trip computer, etc.). STI may have additional performance gauges. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard electronic cruise control. Keyless Entry: Standard Connectivity Bluetooth: Optional, depending on trim level and audio system. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe driving) / 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal driving) - *Consult manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions.* Engine Air Filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or at ~30,000 miles. Cabin Air Filter: Replace every 15,000 miles or 12 months. Spark Plugs: Replace approximately every 60,000...
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories, Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Audio System, SRS (Airbag) System
Component Removal and Installation, Overhauls, Adjustments, Troubleshooting and Diagnosis
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Diagnostic Codes, Diagnostic Procedures for all major systems, Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic trees and specifications for all repair procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Searchable text content for quick information retrieval
Print Quality
Image Resolution:
High-resolution illustrations, diagrams, and photographs
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Type Wrx:
2.5L DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged Boxer (EJ255)
Type Sti:
2.5L DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged Boxer (EJ257)
Performance
Horsepower Wrx:
265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Wrx:
244 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Horsepower Sti:
305 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Sti:
290 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) with Top-Feed Injectors
Fuel Grade Recommendation:
Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher)
Engine Management
ECU Type:
Denso ECU (Specific model numbers will be detailed in the manual)
Cooling System
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant
Turbocharger
Type Wrx:
Mitsubishi TD04L-13T (approx.)
Type Sti:
IHI VF48
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type Wrx:
5-Speed Manual
Type Sti:
6-Speed Manual (TY856WB1AA)
Optional
Automatic Transmission:
No automatic transmission offered for WRX/STI variants in this model year.
Features
Drivetrain Layout:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) with Front Helical Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) and Rear Viscous Coupling LSD (WRX), Front Helical LSD, DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential) and Rear Helical LSD (STI)
Fluid Specifications
Manual Gear Oil Spec:
GL-4 75W-90 for front and rear differentials, GL-4 75W-90 for transfer case and transmission (specific Subaru specs may differ, consult manual)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
103.3 inches (2624 mm)
Length:
173.8 inches (4415 mm)
Width:
70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
57.7 inches (1465 mm)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
Wheel Size:
17x8.0 inches (WRX), 18x8.5 inches (STI)
Tire Size Wrx:
235/45R17
Tire Size Sti:
245/40R18
Weights
Curb Weight Wrx:
~3200-3300 lbs (1450-1500 kg)
Curb Weight Sti:
~3350-3450 lbs (1520-1565 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (2012 Model)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Top Safety Pick (2012 Model)
Active Features
Vehicle Dynamics Control:
Standard (VDC) with selectable modes, includes yaw rate, lateral acceleration, and brake pressure sensors.
Traction Control:
Standard
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard (ABS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front, Front Side-Impact, Side Curtain Airbags
Seat Belts:
Pretensioner and Force Limiter Front Seatbelts, Three-Point Rear Seatbelts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input. Higher trims may feature Rockford Fosgate audio, Bluetooth, and navigation.
Instrument Cluster:
Features tachometer, speedometer, multi-function display (fuel economy, trip computer, etc.). STI may have additional performance gauges.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Optional, depending on trim level and audio system.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe driving) / 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal driving) - *Consult manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions.*
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or at ~30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plugs:
Replace approximately every 60,000 miles (for iridium-tipped plugs).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.8 US quarts (5.5 Liters) with filter change for 2.5L Turbo
Engine Oil Viscosity:
0W-20 or 5W-30 Synthetic (check owner's manual for specific climate recommendations)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Subaru PS Fluid or ATF Dexron III/Mercon equivalent
Known Issues
Piston Ring Land Cracking:
A known concern in some EJ25 engines, particularly with aggressive tuning or inadequate cooling. Manual provides specifications for checking tolerances.
Clutch Wear:
Can be accelerated by aggressive driving; manual details inspection and replacement procedures.
Turbocharger Oil Feed Line:
Potential for clogging leading to turbo failure; manual may include cleaning/replacement procedures for the banjo bolt screens.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Rally Roots:
Subaru's long and successful history in the World Rally Championship (WRC) with the Impreza platform, influencing the WRX and STI models.
Model Evolution
Generation:
Third Generation (GR/GV Hatchback for STI, GE/GH Sedan for WRX, though body styles varied by market and trim)
Production
Manufacturing Plant:
Gunma Manufacturing Plant, Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Auto Guide Best Performance Car:
Often recognized for its performance-oriented nature and value in its segment.
Ratings
Car And Driver 10Best:
The Impreza WRX/STI has frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best lists in various iterations for its driving dynamics and performance.