Cold winter, outside/inside door handles don't work
 

Hi all, I've read the numerous forums on door handles breaking in the winter but haven't found a scenario exactly like mine and I'm trying to avoid going to my indy. Here it is: freezing weather in KY, unlocked my '01 X5 using the key fob, pulled on the handle and it was frozen shut. I tugged a little harder and the door opened, however i felt the door handle release from all tension. The door latch was then stuck in the open position so the door wouldn't latch shut. I manuevered the latch so the door would shut (which it did). The problem: now I can't open the driver side door using the inside OR outside door handles, second problem: the door is shut.

From what I've come across it seems like the door carrier could be the culprit. But how can I open my door so I can remove the panel and attempt this fix? Also, thoughts on the door handles problem? Carrier or something else?

Any help is MUCH appreciated!!

FIXED!!!
 

Well I guess my X5 senses that I'm a grad student and any repairs are a terrible headache for me and so it likes to play games with me.

After 20 mins of driving around with heat full blast at 90 degrees, the X was nice and cozy and my driver door works perfectly fine now!! I stopped off and got some door lock deicer and spray deicer and dowsed my handle and lock with them. So i'm guessing that with the extreme cold and handles frozen shut the cable just slipped and that's why I thought it was broken...any ideas?