Audi Repair: 1996 A6 Oil Message, usa standards, oil light

Question
My odometer shows the word oil when first turning over. This morning check engine light comes on. I change the oil regularly and use synthetic. Don't know about the previous owner though. Car has 200K

Answer
If the oil light comes on then this is related either to the oil level or the oil pressure.  I don't think the 1996 A6 had an oil level indicator, so this is more than likely an oil pressure issue. If you use synthetic, this oil is good for protecting surfaces but bad for pressure, since it is usually very thin.  I would check how clean the oil is, and perhaps do an oil change to see if the behaviour of the light changes.  Also change the filter obviously, and check for leaks.  200k miles is high for USA standards but for European standards the car is just nicely run-in!  Let me know,  Jan