Item: 1998 Subaru BH Outback
Rating: 3.5

Refined 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine
Accomplished ride/handling balance
Supportive front seats
High standard of interior fit and finish

Performance from 2.0-litre engine with automatic transmission is only adequate
Power delivery of Liberty B4 compromised by boost pressure drop
Light steering lacks precision just off-centre and feel
Flat rear seats lack support
2.5-litre EJ25 engine susceptible to head gasket failure

Review: Subaru BH.I Outback (1998-01)

Overview

Released in October 1998, the Subaru BH Series I (BH.I) Outback was a mid-size, all-wheel drive wagon. Manufactured in Ota, Japan, the Subaru BH Outback was initially available with a 2.5-litre horizontally-opposed (or flat) four cylinder petrol engine. In October 2000, the Outback range was expanded with the introduction of the 3.0i H6 variant.

EJ251 and EZ30D engines

Of the engines,

For 2.5i variants, the 2.5-litre EJ251 engine had an open-deck aluminium alloy block with cast iron liners, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, a single overhead camshaft per cylinder bank (belt-driven), four valves per cylinder actuated by shimless buckets, multipoint sequential fuel injection and a compression ratio of 10.1:1; and,
For 3.0i H6 variants, the 3.0-litre EZ30D engine had an open-deck aluminium alloy block with cast iron liners, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank (chain-driven), four valves per cylinder, a variable intake system, a compression ratio of 10.7:1 and a dual-stage exhaust system.

While the 2.5-litre engine was available with five-speed dual-range manual and four-speed automatic transmissions, the 3.0-litre engines were solely available with the latter (see table below).

Body and dimensions

Relative to the BH Liberty wagon on which it was based, the Subaru BH Outback added side body cladding and had long-travel suspension which increased ground clearance by 45 mm to 200 mm. Compared to its BG predecessor, the BH Outback was 49 mm longer (at 4720 mm), 30 mm wider (1745 mm), 35 mm taller (1590 mm) and had a 20 mm longer wheelbase (2650 mm).

Suspension

Like the Liberty, the BH Outback had MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.

Subaru BH.I Outback specifications
Variant	Editions	Years	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
2.5i	N/A	1998-01	2.5-litre EJ251 petrol F4	5sp man., 4sp auto	115 kW at 5600 rpm	223 Nm at 3600 rpm
	Limited	1998-01
	Special Edition	2001
3.0i H6	N/A	2000-01	3.0-litre EZ30D petrol F6	4sp auto	154 kW at 6000 rpm	282 Nm at 4400 rpm

AWD systems

For 2.5-litre BH Outback models with manual transmissions, the all-wheel drive system provided a 50:50 front:rear torque split. In the event that the wheels lost traction, the viscous coupling with the centre differential case would operate to direct up to 80 per cent of the engine’s torque to the opposing axle.

For 2.5-litre BH Outback models with automatic transmissions, the all-wheel drive system provided an 80:20 front:rear torque split. Instead of a viscous coupling, this all-wheel drive system included an electronically-controlled, hydraulic multi-plate transfer clutch. Torque distribution to the rear axle could be varied according to wheel slippage, throttle position and braking. The driver could also engage a 50:50 front:rear torque distribution for standing starts by moving the gear lever from ‘D’ into ‘2’.

For 3.0-litre BH Outback models, the all-wheel drive system provided a 45:55 front:rear torque split. This system utilised an electronically-controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch in conjunction with a centre planetary-type differential. The torque distribution could also be altered according to variables such as throttle position and drive shaft speed differentials (i.e. front and rear).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Subaru BH.I Outback included dual front airbags and ABS. The Outback 3.0i H6 was further equipped with electronic stability control and traction control (Subaru’s ‘Vehicle Dynamics Control’), while its B-pillar and door beams were also strengthened for improved occupant protection.

Features: Outback 2.5i and 2.5i Limited

Standard features for the Outback 2.5i included 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, 12 volt power outlet, roof racks and an immobiliser.

The Outback 2.5i Limited was further equipped with a six-disc CD stacker, leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and twin sunroofs; the 2.5i Limited was also fitted with a self-levelling rear suspension system.

Features: Outback 3.0i H6

Compared to the 2.5i Limited, the Outback 3.0i H6 was distinguished by its an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a Momo mahogany and leather steering wheel, a leather-wrapped gear lever and woodgrain interior trim.

August 1999: Outback update

In August 1999, the Outback range underwent a minor update as standard features were extended to include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, handbrake lever and transmission lever, intermittent wipers and pollen filter. Other additions included intermittent wipers and a pollen filer.

2001 Outback 2.5i Special Edition

In May 2001, a limited-run 2.5i Special Edition model was released. Compared to the standard 2.5i, the Special Edition was distinguished by its power sunroof.