M2 Machines Knowledgebase
M2 Machines packaging uses series lines, release numbers, and base references that look similar — this guide shows how each maps into SmartWheelers catalog fields, including why the release number is stored as Assortment Number (Asst #).
What Is M2 Machines
M2 Machines is a collector-focused diecast brand with Premium features such as highly detailed cars with moving parts and a plethora of product lines or what we call Series.
Model Number, Series, Assortment, And Wave
Base Reference Number = Model Number → Model Number = SKU: The code on the base of most M2 Machines cars has a set of numbers such as 20-84. This is the Model Number. The first two numbers are the Release Year and the second set of numbers represent the number of cars released up to this car within a Series. So if you see 20-84 this means Release Year = 2020 and this is the 84th car M2 Machines has produced since the beginning of production of the Series. On SmartWheelers, we also add a "c" or "sc" to the end of the car if the car is a Class = Chase or Super Chase. We also enter the same Model Number in SKU. Series / Line → Series: The product line name printed on the package — for example Auto-Thentics, Detroit Muscle, or Auto-Drivers. Some checklists hyphenate names (Detroit-Muscle); SmartWheelers prefers the spaced catalog labels. Release Number = Assortment Number (Asst #) → Assortment Number: On SmartWheelers, the M2 release token is stored in Assortment Number (Asst #) — not Series Number. Examples: R62, R108, HS62, MJS18, WMTS05, or S146. That is how members find and sort cars by release. Wave still holds the digits only (62, 108, 18). Series Number holds the packaging family code alone (32500, 32600). Release Digits = Wave → Wave: M2 Machines uses Release numbers instead of Hot Wheels case letters or Matchbox mix/wave letters. Release tokens are often written as R62, but special or exclusive releases may use other prefixes such as S, HS, MJS, OR, or TGS. SmartWheelers stores the full token in Assortment Number (Asst #) and puts only the numeric part in Wave (R62 → Wave 62; HS62 → Wave 62). Packaging Code = Series Number → Series Number: Codes like 32500 identify the packaging family such as Auto-Thentics. SmartWheelers stores that family code alone in Series Number (for example 32500) — never the compound packaging string such as 32500-R108. The release token goes in Assortment Number (Asst #). Exclusive Marks (HS, MJS, WMTS, …) → Exclusive: Decode to a short retailer or program name (Walmart, MiJo Exclusives, Hobby Exclusive). Never store the raw prefix as Exclusive. Chase / Super Chase / Limited → Class: Variant type. Chase and base cars are separate catalog rows. Only record Production when a verified finite run (such as 1 of N) is known — never invent chase ratios.
Series Lines And Packaging Codes
Use the Series name in the Series field. The packaging family code goes in Series Number. The release token (R62, HS62, and similar) goes in Assortment Number (Asst #) — packaging codes are not the Model Number, Toy Number, or SKU. Auto-Thentics (packaging 31500 → 32500): Core collector 1:64 line. Category Premium on SmartWheelers. 31500 is historical (through about Release 27); 32500 is current from about Release 28. Detroit Muscle (packaging 31600 → 32600): Core collector 1:64 muscle line. Category Premium. 31600 is historical (through about Release 25); 32600 is current from about Release 26. Auto-Drivers (packaging 11228): Drivers retail line; current packaging family 11228. Auto-Mods (packaging Confirm On Package): Mods collector line. Confirm Series from the package title — do not assume Detroit Muscle packaging codes apply. Auto-Haulers (packaging 36000): Truck or hauler plus vehicle sets. Model Kits (packaging 37000): Assembly-style releases. Coca-Cola (packaging 52500): Licensed Coca-Cola single-vehicle releases. Coca-Cola Auto-Haulers (packaging 56000): Licensed Coca-Cola hauler plus vehicle sets. Auto-Lift (packaging 33000): Vehicle with display lift. Auto-News (packaging 67500): News / specialty retail line. M2 1:24 (packaging 40300): Larger scale diecast. Some specialty or retailer package families (for example AutoZone, Toys R Us, or O’Reilly program codes) need confirmation from the package title. When the code is ambiguous, leave Series blank until you can verify — do not guess.
Exclusives And Chase
Unlike Hot Wheels store lines, M2 Machines usually does not create a separate Series for each retailer. Exclusives stay in an existing Series (for example Auto-Thentics or Detroit Muscle) and ship through a retailer or distributor. Put that channel in the Exclusive field — Exclusive is where the car was distributed, not the Series name. Chase and Super Chase belong in Class as separate cars from the base release. Common Exclusive values: Walmart; Target; MiJo Exclusives; O’Reilly Auto Parts; Hobby Exclusive; AutoZone; Toys R Us. Common release prefixes: HS → Hobby Exclusive; MJS → MiJo Exclusives; WMTS / Walmart Specials → Walmart; TGS → Target; OR / O’Reilly Program Codes → O’Reilly Auto Parts. Decode the release prefix to a short Exclusive name — never store HS, MJS, WMTS, TGS, or OR as the Exclusive value. Keep the full release token in Assortment Number (Asst #) — for example HS62 or MJS18. AutoZone and Toys R Us exclusives often keep parent-series numbering; confirm Exclusive from the package or a reliable checklist. Strip the letter prefix only when filling Wave (HS62 and MJS18 both store as Wave 62 or 18). Hobby Exclusive is the hobby-dealer program (often marked HS). It is not the same as Hobby Lobby. Only use Hobby Lobby when a reliable source says the car was produced for Hobby Lobby — never because a car was merely sold there. Hobby Exclusive Gassers still use Exclusive = Hobby Exclusive with Series = Gassers (GS release numbering). Programs such as Auto-Vault, 1st Shot Replica, Convention, Anniversary, Employee, Dealer Appreciation, Charity, and similar factory or event editions are not retailer exclusives. Use Class = Special Edition (or Limited Edition only when a verified production quantity is known). Leave Exclusive blank unless a separate retailer or distributor exclusive also applies. Chase and Super Chase are Class values, not Series names. Do not invent a RAW Class for M2 — RAW is not a standard M2 program like Chase or Super Chase. Limited Edition plus a Production count is only for verified finite runs (package 1 of N or official quantity) — never invent ratios such as 1:750 from folklore. Example: packaging with release token WMTS05 (or a Walmart Special), Series Auto-Thentics, and a Chase marking maps to Exclusive = Walmart, Assortment Number (Asst #) = WMTS05, Wave = 5, Class = Chase on a separate catalog row from the base car, with Model Number / Toy Number / SKU from the base YY-NN reference.
How To Read An M2 Package
1. Read the full packaging code on the box or blister (for example 32500-110-A). 2. Note the release token (R110, HS62, MJS18, WMTS05, or a plain Release number) — enter that token in Assortment Number (Asst #). 3. Put Wave as digits only from that release (110, 62, 18) and Series Number as the packaging family only (32500). 4. Find the base reference on the car (YY-NN). That is the model identity. 5. Check for exclusive stickers or program prefixes and decode them to Exclusive. 6. Note Chase, Super Chase, or 1 of N markings for Class (and Production only when verified). Example: packaging 32500-110-A with base reference 26-xx maps to Series Auto-Thentics, Series Number 32500, Assortment Number (Asst #) R110 when the release is written that way (or 110 if that is how the package shows it), Wave 110, Model Number / Toy Number / SKU = the exact base 26-xx, and release year 2026 from the YY prefix. The trailing letter A is an assortment position on the pack — not the model number and not Asst #. The packaging family 32500 is not the SKU.
Recording Cars On SmartWheelers
When you add an M2 Machines car on SmartWheelers, fill Series, Series Number (packaging family only), Assortment Number (Asst #) with the release token, Wave with digits only, and the Model Number / Toy Number / SKU triad from verified package and base evidence. Leave unknown fields blank rather than guessing. Category for core Auto-Thentics and Detroit Muscle lines is Premium. Browse the SmartWheelers catalog and Knowledgebase hub for related guides.