Volkswagen Repair: 2003 VW Passat Low Oil Pressure Light, sludge problem, low oil pressure

Question
I was driving my 2003 Passat when the "LOW OIL PRESSURE STOP ENGINE" came up and it started beeping. I immediately pulled over and checked the oil and it was ok. Then I started driving again and it didn't come on again. Next day, just to be on the safe side I went ahead and had an oil change done. Car drove fine, after about 30 miles of driving the car started beeping again and the same warning came on. I brought it back to the mechanic and he stated that the oil pump is clogged and that they needed to replace it. I heard about sludge problems in VW cars is there a cheaper way on fixing this problem without spending $5,000.00?

Answer
Belinda,
 The sludge problem is true.  There is plenty of oil but it cannot flow because of the blockage.   This is a defect.  Hopefully you did drive far with the warning.  If so, the $5000 is for a new engine.  Otherwise, it's about $1000 to open up the engine and clean out the pump.  You should read these:
http://www.carcomplaints.com/Volkswagen/Passat/2003/engine/engine_failure_from_o...

Rick