My 2011 JCW marked one year of ownership on November 30. I've put right at 18000 miles on it with very minimal issues. It's only shop visit was for the first oil service where I had them check on a whining noise/vibration when the AC was on, and weird things happening with my Ipod connection. They found a defective pulley on the AC belt drive that fixed that issue, and replaced the Ipod cable under suspicion. I have since determined that for whatever reason, that particular Ipod just doesn't want to play well with MINI's system. It works fine in my Audi, and another Nano I have works fine in the MINI, easy self fix.
No mods unless you count the Hankook Ventus V12's I had mounted the day I took it home. They still have life in them too after two rotations, should last to 25-30K I'm expecting. Runflats suck, I don't think anyone's who's had good summer performance tires on their MINI would ever put RF's back on.
This is my fourth MINI, my 3rd R56, and my second factory JCW. By now, I've learned what I like and don't like so I'm pretty happy with my build decisions. Prominent was no sunroof this time, no auto AC, and the car came with standard cloth interior which was replaced with custom leather before the car came home. The seats add a special wow factor that everyone who sees it comments on (they're black perforated leather with red showing through the holes, and red piping.) They look, feel, and smell much better than the OEM stuff and have held up well.
It's never been out of Texas but has taken me on many road trips. I ride and race mountainbikes (hence the handle) and the OEM roofrack with RockyMount trays stays on fulltime. I have a short commute so most of those miles have been on trips and just driving for fun.
I got an Audi TT-RS in August and it has become my primary driver. I still drive the JCW mostly for bike purposes and somedays to work, but the RS is just too much fun to keep in the garage because, in the popular vernacular of the day "because racecar!"
I've no regrets with my purchase but wonder if this might be my last MINI. To me it's the pinnacle of the R56, and who knows what the next generation will bring. No matter how good the next gen will be, its price will only get higher, and I think the JCW is already near the edge of the extreme for what it is. Anyway, here's a recent pic, ready for action:

 

Enjoyed your post. My JCW will turn 1 yr next week. I love the car. Absolutely no problems and couldn't be happier.

 

Cool thanks for posting!

My spouse's favorite car is the current Audi TT - so jealous!

 

My car just hit it's one year anniversary and I'm taking it in next week for the annual "complimentary" oil change. My car also has a whine with the AC on, I'll be sure to ask them about that! Your JCW is beautiful!!

 

What kind of bike rack do you have there? Do you leave it on full time?

 

OEM crossbars with Rockymounts EuroPitchfork trays. Leave it on all the time.