The oil light started to flash (red oil can with dripping oil). I stopped to check the oil level, which was fine. When I pressed the 'check' button, the message read 'low oil level' and to top up or words to that effect.

Knowing that the oil level was good, I suspected the low oil sensor was defective, so continued on my way for the rest of the 200 mile journey.

The car completed the journey without missing a beat however, my mechanic eventually text me back to say it could also mean low oil pressure and I shouldn't drive the car. I replied 'too late, I have just done 200 miles'. That said the engine still sounds as sweet as a nut, as normal.

Has anyone had this issue previously, and what was the outcome?

Suspect it’s oil sensor, rather than pressure sensor. On my old A4 B5 2.5TDI Avant, it came on when I was towing. It was an oil light and alarm beep too. Oil level was fine and I checked under oil cap and could see oil was getting to rockers. That said, I was young and daft and getting recovered would have been a hassle with a boat too.

Get the car scanned with VCDS. If it’s thrown an oil light, then that should be recorded, along potentially with oil pressure. You’ll need to drain oil to get to sensor. Seen it done with a vacuum, without draining. If oil change due, just do it. Change oil pressure sensor while you’re at it. I’d avoid driving it until this is diagnosed and fixed.

Thanks Spartacus, I have done some research on YouTube. It appears my car does not have the amber sensor warning light. The oil warning flashes red and by pressing the 'check' button, this identifies the issue. That said I have tried to find out what other text warnings are also available, but without success. There are no obvious signs of engine damage, it still runs smoothly. However, the college where I work has a VCDS, so I will get it checked out tomorrow hopefully.

The car has been checked with a VCDS today. There were no codes. It appears the low oil sensor works in isolation. However, this does confirm that nothing more sinister is going on other than a faulty oil level sensor.

Good news. Swap out the sensor. Get genuine part, not an Ebay special. Shouldn't be that expensive.

Hi Spartacus, yes I bought a new oil level sensor from a reputable retailer. After it was fitted, I took the car for a test drive, I should mention at this point, that my mechanic thought it was an oil pressure sensor, despite all the info messages. Anyway, as soon as the test started, the same fault lights illuminated. I drove back the garage where the mechanic stood with a new oil pressure sensor in hand and a smug grin on his face. Turns out he was right all along and the fault has never returned.

Glad it's sorted.