Enhanced sounding reference signal (SRS) transmissions for multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) operation are disclosed in which a user equipment (UE) detects an observed interference level for each receiver chain of the UE. In response to an imbalance, the UE precodes a SRS targeting downlink operation to indicate the imbalance. The UE then transmits the precoded SRS. In alternative aspects, the precoded SRS vector may be determined by an evolved nodeB (eNB). In such aspects, the eNB determines the precoded SRS vector targeting downlink operations for the served UEs, wherein the determined precoded SRS vector includes determining the precoded SRS vector on a per UE basis, enabling the precoded SRS vector for either one or both of frequency division duplex (FDD) systems and time division duplex (TDD) systems, or enabling the precoded SRS vector for aperiodic SRS only. The eNB then transmits the determined precoded SRS vector to the UE.